Doctor Joint Pain

30.06.2023 Chukwudi Eze 0 Comments

Finding the right doctor to treat joint pain

Rheumatologist — An internist or pediatrician who specializes in joint diseases, like arthritis.
Orthopedist — A physician who specializes in surgical treatments and treats injuries to the bone.
Physiatrist — Rehabilitation physicians who specialize in non-surgical treatments.

Contents

0.1 Should I go to the doctor for joint pain?

1 What do doctors give for joint pain?
2 How do I know if I’ve got arthritis?
- 2.1 Can you get arthritis in your 20s?
3 Can a blood test detect joint pain?
- 3.1 Can MRI show joint pain?
4 How do I know if it’s arthritis or muscle pain?
5 Can you test for arthritis at home?
6 Is arthritis permanent?
- 6.1 Is it normal for joints to hurt all the time?
  - 6.1.1 Should I tell my doctor if I think I have arthritis?
- 6.2 What is the average age for joint pain?

Should I go to the doctor for joint pain?

Don’t let joint pain slow you down – If your joint pain interferes with routine daily living or quality of life—playing with your kids or grandchildren, trying a new activity, or disrupting your sleep and mood, for example—it’s essential to talk to a doctor.

You should also see a healthcare provider if you experience: If you experience joint pain symptoms that last a few days and don’t improve with the self-care tips listed above, or you experience swelling, redness, or tenderness and warmth around the joint, it’s time to see a healthcare provider. Depending on your health insurance, you may be able to make an appointment directly with an orthopedic specialist.

You can also begin with your primary care provider, who can refer you to a specialist as needed. When a patient comes to me with joint pain, I always start with a comprehensive medical history, evaluation and diagnostic imaging to pinpoint the source of the pain and rule out arthritis or an injury, such as a torn tendon or ligament.

Weight loss, if needed Prescription or topical anti-inflammatories Physical therapy An unloaded or offloader brace for stability Corticosteroid injections Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

If noninvasive measures don’t help, your orthopedic specialist may recommend arthroscopic joint repair or joint replacement surgery,

What do doctors give for joint pain?

Oral, Injected and Topical Medications – 1. Disease-modifying medications. If you have an inflammatory form of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or psoriatic arthritis, an important route to relieving pain is controlling the underlying disease.

Fortunately, a variety of medications — many developed in recent decades or years — make disease control possible. Drugs that can control the disease process include: • Traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or DMARDs, such as methotrexate or leflunomide ( Arava ). • Biological agents or biologics, which are drugs genetically engineered to inhibit or modify components of the immune system, including B cells, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin (IL) 1.

• Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, a class of drugs that block signaling molecules called JAKs to curb cellular processes that lead to the progression of RA. It is important to work with your doctor to find the right drug, or combination of drugs, to control your disease.2.

Oral pain-relieving medications.
Some medications are designed to relieve pain and some developed for other reasons have been found to relieve pain.
Some are available over-the-counter while others require a doctor’s prescription.
They include: • Acetaminophen ( Tylenol ).
An over-the-counter (OTC) analgesic, acetaminophen may be sufficient for mild to moderate osteoarthritis pain.

Prescription versions, which combine acetaminophen and a narcotic analgesic, may be used short term to relieve pain after joint surgery. • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. OTC doses of these drugs, including ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin IB ) and naproxen sodium ( Aleve ), may be useful for relieving pain.

At higher prescription doses they may also relieve inflammation. • Duloxetine ( Cymbalta ). Developed as an antidepressant, duloxetine is also approved for treating chronic pain related to osteoarthritis (OA). • Tramadol ( Ultram ). Available only by prescription, tramadol is an opioid pain reliever prescribed for OA pain not relieved by other medication.

Although the risk of addiction and abuse with tramadol is less than that of other opioids, its use is still tightly regulated.3. Joint injections are used for acutely painful, inflamed joints. • Corticosteroids injections — strong anti-inflammatory drugs similar to the cortisol made by our bodies — can quickly relieve both pain and inflammation.

Hyaluronic acid injections can relieve painful osteoarthritis. Typically given in a series of injections, hyaluronic acid is a substance that gives joint fluid its natural viscosity. Hyaluronic acid injections are given a week apart in a series of three or four injections.4. Topical Medications. Topical analgesics are drugs which are applied directly to the skin over the painful joint to relieve pain.

They include sprays, creams, ointments and patches, and work by one or a combination of the following ingredients: • Capsaicin, a chemical compound in hot chili peppers, which depletes the nerve cells of substance P, a chemical important for transmitting pain messages.

How do doctors diagnose joint pain?

Doctors usually diagnose arthritis using the patient’s medical history, physical examination, X-rays, and blood tests. It is possible to have more than one form of arthritis at the same time. There are many forms of arthritis, and diagnosing the specific type you have can help your doctor determine the best treatment.

Can a doctor feel arthritis?

How to Test for Arthritis in a Physical Exam – After these initial conversations, the next step in conducting a test for arthritis is a physical exam.2 Doctors will touch the affected joints to check for swelling, redness, and stiffness. It is also common for doctors to make a joint count of how many joints are affected and whether they are on one or both sides of the body.

What happens if joint pain is left untreated?

What Happens if Arthritis is Left Untreated – Untreated osteoarthritis will continue to progress and worsen over time. Arthritis cannot kill you, but it can cause serious pain and discomfort in your life. The treatment of arthritis is a quality-of-life issue, but is not life-threatening.

It is not a diagnosis that will shorten your life expectancy, but if ignored and left untreated, can make the rest of your years of life miserable.
This condition cannot paralyze you, but will make normal function of the joint worsen over time.
Untreated arthritis will add to the degradation of the structures in and around the joint leading to more and more pain and a loss of function.

The progression of arthritis may lead to requiring a total joint replacement.

How do I know if I’ve got arthritis?

Symptoms of arthritis – There are lots of different types of arthritis. The symptoms you experience will vary depending on the type you have. This is why it’s important to have an accurate diagnosis if you have:

joint pain, tenderness and stiffnessinflammation in and around the jointsrestricted movement of the jointswarm red skin over the affected jointweakness and muscle wasting

Can you get arthritis in your 20s?

How does osteoarthritis affect young people differently? – Although osteoarthritis is more common in older people, many young people in their teens, 20s and 30s can still suffer with the condition. The symptoms are generally the same, no matter how old you are, but it can affect young people differently. In especially young people, such teenagers, osteoarthritis can affect mental wellbeing too. This is a time when there’s a pressure to ‘fit in’ and be like everybody else. If osteoarthritis means teens can’t do the same sports or have the same social life as others, then they may feel left out and socially isolated.

Osteoarthritis in young people can also have an impact on education.
If time is needed off school to attend appointments, have surgeries or to deal with pain, then they could be at a disadvantage when it comes to exam passes and grades.
Simply walking to school or sitting for long periods of time can also be challenging.

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Young people in their 20s and 30s can be left behind in the race for university places, jobs and careers if their school grades have been affected or they’re suffering flare ups preventing them from achieving what they want to achieve. During this time, social lives, friendships and relationships can become strained or difficult to obtain.

Can a blood test detect joint pain?

Blood tests – The GP may arrange blood tests to help confirm the diagnosis. No blood test can definitively prove or rule out a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, but several tests can show indications of the condition. Some of the main blood tests used include:

erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) – which can help assess levels of inflammation in the bodyC-reactive protein (CRP) – another test that can help measure inflammation levelsfull blood count – this test can be used to help rule out other possible causes of your symptoms as well as provide an indicator of your general health

The full blood count test can also be used to check if you have anaemia. Anaemia means the blood is unable to carry enough oxygen because of a lack of blood cells. Anaemia is common in people with rheumatoid arthritis, although having anaemia does not prove you have rheumatoid arthritis.

Can MRI show joint pain?

Almost all of us know someone who lives with the discomfort caused by arthritis or joint pain. In the United States alone, it’s estimated that nearly 46 million Americans have some form of arthritis. Unfortunately, the likelihood of developing some form of this chronic condition increases with age leaving about half of those over age 65 effected.

Imaging technologies, particularly MRI, can play an important role not only in diagnosing arthritis, but in assisting with monitoring treatments and pain-relieving therapies.
Benefits of an MRI MRI — magnetic resonance imaging — uses magnets, radiofrequency pulses, and computer technology to produce detailed images of the body.

This technology can show detailed cross-sections of soft tissues like cartilage, tendons and ligaments. MRI is the most effective way to diagnose problems within any joint and the image sensitivity makes it the most accurate imaging tool available in detecting arthritis and other inflammatory changes.

MRI is also a key diagnostic tool when patients have lower back pain, radiating pain or hip/groin pain. Conventional image technologies confirm degenerative hip disease, but for many patients there is no clear-cut cause for their pain, at least during an initial evaluation. An MRI can provide an enormous amount of information and is the best tool for accurately diagnosing situations when patients have a known trauma or suspected hip fracture.

MRIs Can Aid in Monitoring and Treatment Options Just as MRI is the best imaging tool for diagnosing arthritis, it’s also considered the best tool for monitoring it. MRI scans allow radiologists to document the condition’s progress and help advice the effectiveness of treatments.

When patients don’t respond to medication or therapy, image-guided injections can help deliver medicines to the primary cause of the pain.
Healthcare providers may order a fluoroscopic-guided injection to ensure the injection is exactly where it needs to be, delivering pain-relieving drugs precisely to the site.

This type of accuracy can be helpful to patients who suffer from arthritis and is extremely beneficial in joints that are deep or difficult to approach, such as the hip or foot. Improvements in technology have impacted radiology as much, if not more, than any other field of medicine.

Thankfully, we no longer have to sit by and watch these diseases progress without being able to dramatically improve treatments.
If you are suffering from joint pain or arthritis, you may benefit from having a MRI to help either confirm diagnosis or improve treatment options.
We recommend you talk with your doctor and to determine if a MRI at Wake Radiology is an appropriate part of your treatment plan.

You can learn more about joint injections and our orthopedic and sports imaging services by visiting the orthopedic/sports section at WakeRad.com,

How do I know if it’s arthritis or muscle pain?

Joint and muscle pain represent two different medical conditions. While muscle pain is pain felt when the body is in motion, joint pain is more often felt when the body is at rest. It’s important to understand the different symptoms related to joint and muscle pain, as both conditions must be addressed in a specific way.

Is it normal for joints to hurt all the time?

Many conditions can cause joint pain, but not all will affect all the joints at once. Sudden and widespread joint pain can result from infections, inflammatory diseases, and complications of some health conditions. Influenza (flu) is a common infection that can cause sudden joint pain.

Some types of arthritis and autoimmune diseases can also do this.
The treatment for this symptom will depend on what is causing it.
Some causes do not require medical intervention, while others do.
People should consult a doctor for a diagnosis and to discuss the best way to manage the pain.
This article looks at some of the reasons all the joints may hurt suddenly and the treatments for each condition.

Flu is a common infectious illness. Unlike cold symptoms, flu symptoms can begin fairly suddenly, Symptoms may include:

joint painmuscle aches fever or chillscoughsore throatrunny or stuffy nosefatiguevomiting or diarrhea, although this is more common in children

Flu typically gets better on its own in 1–2 weeks, Most people who get the flu do not need medical treatment. However, the following populations have a higher risk of complications:

older adultsyoung childrenpregnant peoplepeople with weakened immune systems

A doctor may provide people in these groups with antiviral medication to shorten the duration of the illness and reduce the severity of the symptoms. COVID-19 is another infectious illness. It can cause a range of symptoms, such as:

joint painbody achesfever or chills headache coughsore throatshortness of breathnew loss of taste or smellstuffy or runny nosenausea or vomitingdiarrhea

Most people who get COVID-19 experience mild to moderate symptoms and get better without treatment. However, serious long-term complications are possible, including:

blood clots heart failure neurological conditions liver or kidney damage

Some people are at greater risk of severe illness and complications from COVID-19, including:

older adultspeople with chronic conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes people with weakened immune systems

Everyone who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine should get one to reduce the risk of serious symptoms, particularly people in these groups. If a person does experience symptoms, they should seek testing as soon as possible, as this can allow them to begin antiviral treatment.

Post-viral syndrome: This is a collection of symptoms that persist after a viral illness, including fatigue, pain, difficulty concentrating, and headaches. Long COVID: “Long COVID” refers to persistent symptoms that some people develop after COVID-19. It can include a wide range of symptoms, such as pain, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and postexertional malaise (PEM), which is when a person feels significantly unwell after physical or mental activity. Reactive arthritis: This is a type of joint inflammation that can occur after an infectious illness, particularly food poisoning or a sexually transmitted infection, It causes swelling and pain in various joints, especially the hips, knees, ankles, and toes.

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Reactive arthritis usually goes away on its own after a few months. A doctor may suggest treating any underlying bacterial infections with antibiotics or using medications to manage pain and swelling. There are no standard treatments for post-viral syndrome or long COVID.

Some people recover with time and rest, while others experience long-term symptoms.
Doctors may recommend management strategies to help people cope.
Learn more about long COVID.
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic condition that can develop after a viral illness.
However, sometimes there is no obvious trigger for its development.

Like long COVID and post-viral syndrome, ME/CFS causes significant fatigue, making daily tasks difficult. Other possible symptoms include :

joint painflu-like symptoms such as swollen lymph nodesdifficulty sleepingdifficulty thinking, or “brain fog”orthostatic intolerance, or dizziness when standing upPEM

If a person has PEM, then their symptoms may come on suddenly sometime after the activity that causes it. There is no specific treatment for ME/CFS. Doctors focus on helping a person manage their energy and reduce their symptoms. Learn more about ME/CFS.

Gout is a type of arthritis that can occur when a person has high levels of uric acid in their blood. The uric acid forms crystals in the joints, leading to inflammation, swelling, and pain. Gout attacks can come on suddenly, peaking in 12–24 hours after the symptoms first appear. It usually affects only one joint or limb, such as one foot.

Less commonly, people may get polyarticular gout, which affects multiple joints. Treatment focuses on reducing uric acid levels, reducing inflammation, and relieving symptoms through diet and lifestyle strategies. If symptoms do not improve, a doctor may prescribe medication to lower the amount of uric acid in the blood.

Rheumatoid arthritis: This is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints. It causes stiffness, pain, and swelling. Without proper treatment, it can damage the cartilage and bone within the joints. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing joint damage and may include medication, physical therapy, and exercise. Lupus: Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune condition that can affect many areas of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, and brain. It causes inflammation and tissue damage. Lupus currently has no cure, but treatment can help people manage symptoms, prevent flares, and prevent organ damage. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA): This form of arthritis affects 1 in 5 people who have the skin condition psoriasis, It causes painful inflammation and stiffness in the joints. PsA treatment involves using medication, physical therapy, and exercise to relieve symptoms and prevent further joint damage.

If a person has sudden joint pain and could potentially have COVID-19, they should follow their local health authority’s guidelines for testing. It is important to note that COVID-19 affects people in different ways. People do not need to have all the potential symptoms.

As a result, it is best to get a test if there is any doubt.
If the test is positive, a person should rest at home and stay away from others.
They should not visit a medical facility without calling ahead first.
If the test is negative, a person can consult a doctor for a diagnosis.
Sudden, widespread joint pain can be a symptom of many conditions, including some not listed in this article.

A doctor can determine the underlying cause. Call 911 for immediate help if a person has:

difficulty breathingblue, gray, or white lips and nailsnew confusionpain or pressure in the chestdifficulty staying awakesigns of dehydration due to vomiting or diarrhea, such as dark yellow urine, a lack of tears or sweat, and extreme thirst

Sudden pain in all the joints can be a symptom of several conditions, including infections, gout, ME/CFS, and some autoimmune conditions. It can also be an indication of complications after an illness, such as post-viral syndrome or reactive arthritis.

Why am I always having joint pain?

What causes joint pain? – The most common causes of chronic pain in joints are:

Osteoarthritis, a common type of arthritis, happens over time when the cartilage, the protective cushion in between the bones, wears away. The joints become painful and stiff. Osteoarthritis develops slowly and usually occurs during middle age. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that causes swelling and pain in the joints. Often the joints become deformed (usually occurring in the fingers and wrists). Gout is a painful condition where crystals from the body collect in the joint, causing severe pain and swelling. This usually occurs in the big toe. Bursitis is caused by overuse. It is usually found in the hip, knee, elbow, or shoulder. Viral infections, rash, or fever may make joint movement painful. Injuries, such as broken bones or sprains Tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons, or the flexible bands that connect bone and muscle. It is typically seen in the elbow, heel, or shoulder and is usually caused by overuse.

Is arthritis reversible?

Key points about arthritis –

Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases cause pain, swelling, and limited movement in joints and connective tissues in the body. Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases can affect people of all ages. They are more common in women than men. Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, swelling, warmth, or redness in 1 or more joints. There is no cure for arthritis. The treatment goal is to limit pain and inflammation and preserve joint function. Treatment options include medicines, weight reduction, exercise, and surgery.

Can you test for arthritis at home?

At-home testing – At-home tests are available that analyze several substances related to rheumatoid arthritis. However, it’s important to understand that at-home testing is not a substitute for medical care from a doctor or specialist and cannot diagnose RA. Options for at-home testing include:

At-home rheumatoid factor (RF) testing: At-home rheumatoid factor testing detects levels of rheumatoid factor in the blood. Testing kits allow patients to obtain a sample of blood using a finger stick. Once a sample of blood is collected in a test vial, it’s sent to a laboratory for analysis. At-home cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody testing: At-home CCP antibody testing detects the presence of CCP autoantibodies in the blood. which are a type of antibody that mistakenly attacks a person’s healthy cells. Testing for CCP involves taking a sample of blood through a finger stick, collecting the blood in a test vial, and mailing the sample to a laboratory for testing. At-home hepatitis testing: At-home hepatitis testing can detect antibodies and/or antigens related to the viruses that cause hepatitis. Taking an at-home hepatitis test entails pricking a finger to obtain a blood sample, collecting the blood sample in a provided testing container, and sending the sample to a laboratory by mail.

Is arthritis permanent?

Treatment at Penn – Though there is no known cure for arthritis, proper early diagnosis and creation of a personalized treatment plan can help you prevent permanent joint damage. Arthritis treatment options include lifestyle changes, medication and even surgery for severely damaged joints. The goal of all these treatments is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent further joint damage.

Is it normal for joints to hurt all the time?

Some types of arthritis and autoimmune diseases can also do this.
The treatment for this symptom will depend on what is causing it.
Some causes do not require medical intervention, while others do.
People should consult a doctor for a diagnosis and to discuss the best way to manage the pain.
This article looks at some of the reasons all the joints may hurt suddenly and the treatments for each condition.

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