Joint pain is a specific unpleasant sensation that indicates a pathological process in the joint area itself or in the surrounding tissues.According to statistics, about 55% of people over 45 go to the doctor with such complaints.After 70 years, this symptom appears in 90% of patients.Why do unpleasant sensations appear?What to do if your joints hurt a lot?Which specialist should I contact for help?
Why can your joints hurt?
Painful sensations in the joints are the result of irritation of the nerve endings extending from the joint capsule.Due to the well-developed network of blood vessels and good innervation, the joint can respond to pain reactions to various irritating factors (including toxins, salt crystals).
The main causes of joint pain:
- mechanical damage (as a result of injury or operation);
- diseases of soft tissues (adhesive capsulitis, myalgia, tendinopathy);
- osteoarthritis;
- arthritis (gouty, psoriatic, post-traumatic);
- autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis);
- benign and malignant tumors;
- Damage to nerve trunks.
Many people associate joint pain with weather changes.However, in 2016, scientists from Australia's Collings University published a paper that completely refuted this statement.More than three hundred volunteers took part in the study: each of them had pain for 3-4 months.It was found that neither the occurrence of pain nor its intensity was related to changes in atmospheric pressure or temperature.
Which doctor should I contact for help?
When your joints hurt a lot, you should see a specialist as soon as possible.If the cause of the discomfort is related to an injury (bruise, dislocation or fracture of varying degrees), you need to visit an orthopedic traumatologist.In other cases, you should consult a rheumatologist.In order to accurately identify the cause of pain and prescribe treatment, diagnostic procedures will be required:
- x-ray of the joint;
- ultrasound examination;
- MRI or CT (only if indicated);
- puncture of the joint (if there is fluid accumulation inside the joint);
- Arthroscopy.
How to reduce joint pain?
You can use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve joint discomfort.They reduce pain and relieve swelling.Anti-inflammatory ointments, creams and gels applied to the affected joint have the same effect.
In the case of degenerative joint diseases (osteoarthrosis), chondroprotectors are indicated, which slow down the process of cartilage tissue destruction.They are also available in the form of capsules, ointments and gels, tablets and intra-articular injections.
Regular therapeutic exercises also have a good effect.Correctly selected exercises will help you get rid of pain and stiffness, as well as restore joint mobility.Physiotherapy procedures can be used as additional treatment methods: massage, magnetotherapy, electrophoresis with various drugs.