Joint Pain

What is Joint Pain?

Joint pain can be discomfort, pain, or inflammation arising from any part of a joint — including cartilage, bone, ligaments, tendons, or muscles. Most commonly, however, joint pain refers to arthritis or arthralgia, which is inflammation or pain from within the joint itself. Joint pain can range from mildly irritating to debilitating. It may go away after a few weeks (acute), or last for several weeks or months (chronic). Even short-term pain and swelling in the joints can affect your quality of life.

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Diagnosing the cause of joint pain typically involves: • Medical history to understand when pain started and what makes it better or worse • Physical examination of the affected joints • Blood tests to check for infection, inflammatory markers, or autoimmune conditions • X-rays to assess bone and joint structure • MRI or CT scan for detailed soft tissue images • Joint aspiration to analyze joint fluid • Bone scan if necessary

Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include: • Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) • Over-the-counter pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen) • Topical pain relievers • Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and stabilize joints • Occupational therapy to learn joint protection techniques • Weight management to reduce stress on joints • Heat or cold therapy • Supportive devices like braces or splints • Injections (corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid) • Surgery in severe cases