The joints keep us mobile, as they allow our legs, arms, and torso to bend while walking, lifting weights, or performing other everyday activities. Joint pain is one of the most debilitating conditions, effectively putting a stop to our normal life. However, with the help of the specialists at our orthopedics and neurology center in High Point, NC, you will be able to overcome these painful conditions.
Let us discuss why joint pain appears, and why it is important to have it diagnosed correctly and start treatment as soon as possible.
Common Causes of Joint Pain
Jolts of pain in the knees, hips, wrists, elbows, or shoulders can be caused either by sudden trauma, such as an accident or by a health condition that appears due to overuse.
The most frequent conditions causing joint pain are:
- Arthritis: This is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation and stiffness, especially in the hands and spine.
- Gout: This condition is caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals, usually in the toes, ankles, and knees. Its main symptoms are sudden pain, redness, and swelling.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: This condition which affects the wrist is caused by the inflammation of the carpal nerve, usually due to poor ergonomics at the desk.
- Ankylosing spondylitis: This form of inflammatory arthritis affects the spine and causes pain and stiffness in the lower back and buttocks.
- Bursitis: this condition is caused by the inflammation of the bursa (a small sac with fluids acting as a cushion between the bones in a joint). It is often caused by repetitive movements and is common both in manual laborers and professional athletes.
How to Talk to Doctors about Your Joint Pain
Each person experiences pain differently. Some people would describe a level of pain as tolerable, while for someone else it is excruciating. Also, joint pain manifests itself in many ways, such as:
- Sharp pain
- Burning pain
- Dull, ongoing pain
For this reason, the doctors at our orthopedics and neurology center in High Point will ask detailed questions during the evaluation appointment. We encourage patients to feel free and compare their pain to any known sensation.
What matters is to get a clear understanding of where and how it hurts. Thus, we can order adequate diagnostic tests to pinpoint the root cause of your joint pain.
Finding the Cause of Joint Pain: From Initial Appointment to Final Diagnosis
During the initial appointment, our doctors will perform a short physical examination to get a general idea of your condition. For example, they will ask you to indicate what triggers your pain (standing, sitting, walking, etc.) and will ask you to try and move the affected joint up to the point where pain and stiffness are overpowering.
Based on this observation, you may have to undergo various diagnostic tests, such as:
- X-rays – usually show a sign of trauma in the bones of the joint after an accident.
- CT scan – a detailed imaging technique showing detailed cross-sectional images of the body
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) – another type of detailed imaging technique that captures images of the soft tissues of the body.
Treatment Options for Joint Pain
Once the doctor has diagnosed the cause of your pain, they will create a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy
- Epidural injections
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Surgery to correct joint fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, or rotator cuff tear in the shoulder
- Carefully prescribed and dosed pain medication
Come to Our High Point Orthopedics and Neurology Center for Joint Pain Treatment!
At Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology, you will find relief from the pain and stiffness caused by various joint conditions. We prioritize minimally invasive treatments so that your treatment plan is both effective and safe.
Do not let joint pain control your life and limit your mobility. Call us today at 704-412-3045Â to schedule an evaluation appointment!
