The human body has about 400 joints, all of which provide the body with flexibility and mobility, but are also possible sources of discomfort. Joint pain, which primarily, but not exclusively, develops with age, is among the most prevalent health concerns. Besides, joints, which link the different parts of your body, are complex mechanisms of several elements, including ligaments, cartilage, membranes, tissue, and fluids. As such, joint pain cedar rapids can have multiple causes. If you have joint pain, understanding the possible cause is the first step in determining an effective care plan. Here are the leading causes.
- Sports Injury
Sports injuries are a prevalent cause of knee, ankle, elbow, and shoulder joint pain. Strains and sprains are common sports injuries that could cause joint pain. Minor injuries should heal fast, but more serious sprains or strains might take longer.
Besides, overuse injuries like some rotator cuff conditions of the shoulder could also trigger shoulder pain. Knee pain is also a prevalent overuse injury, common in cyclists and runners.
- Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is another common cause of joint pain, affecting the hips, fingers, and knees. Osteoarthritic pain stems from various factors, including swelling of the synovial membrane, excessive fluid inside the joint, and loss of joint room. Surprisingly, cartilage cannot be the reason for pain because it has no nerves or blood supply.
Pain caused by osteoarthritis could be associated with stiffness, particularly after a period of inactivity or after waking up, reduced flexibility and inflammation, and joint tenderness. It is also common to experience grinding or grating feelings within the joint. The pain could be one-sided or affect both sides and often comes on gradually.
- Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition with aching and burning sensations in the joints. Persons with fibromyalgia also experience increased pain sensitivity, memory issues, dizziness, chronic fatigue, and headaches. Unfortunately, the actual cause of fibromyalgia is unknown.
- Gout
Gout is a disorder characterized by increased uric acid levels in the blood. The uric acid crystallizes inside the joints, inducing discomfort, redness, and burning sensations. The most commonly impacted joint is the big toe, but the ankle, elbow, fingers, and wrist could also be affected.
- Bursitis
Bursitis is the swelling of the tiny fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints. The shoulder joint is the most commonly affected region by bursitis, but it can also impact the elbow, knee, and hip joints.
Repeated pressure or overuse injuries could trigger bursitis. Sudden trauma or infection are also possible causes. The pain might come on suddenly or might build up slowly, and the joint might become swollen.
- Autoimmune Disease
Certain autoimmune disorders, where the body wrongly attacks itself, could have joint pain as a warning sign. Common autoimmune diseases associated with joint pain include psoriasis, lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, and multiple sclerosis.
If you struggle with joint pain, you are not alone. Millions of Americans deal with this issue, which ends up affecting every aspect of their daily life. Joint pain can keep you from doing routine activities like walking, jogging, and even lying down can become uncomfortable. Common care options to explore include heat and cold therapy, physical therapy, pain medications, and more. Your specialist should tailor your care plan to the root cause of your discomfort. Therefore, always consult a professional, especially if the pain is chronic or associated with other troublesome symptoms.