Painful Joint Conditions Don’t Have To Ruin Your Life

PUBLISHED ON:

December 9, 2020

According to the Arthritis Foundation, nearly one in three people have doctor-diagnosed arthritis and/or joint ailments comparable to arthritis. They also suggest that by conservative estimates, the number of adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis in the U.S. is likely to rise 49 percent to 78.4 million (25.9 percent of all adults) by the year 2040 and The number of adults reporting activity limitations due to their arthritis will increase 52 percent to 34.6 million (11.4 percent of all adults).

Why Are My Joints Stiff and Painful?

There could be a multitude of reasons for joint pain, such as arthritis, osteoarthritis and more, including any injury that affects the ligaments, bursae, or tendons surrounding or within the joint.

Southeast Pain and Spine Care pain management has listed six joint conditions that could be causing your joints to be painful. We have also listed some techniques below that you can use at home to help minimize your pain.

A Short Insight Into Painful Joint Conditions

1. Osteoarthritis

With joint pain conditions, all you want is for the pain to stop, you’d even be happy with a slight ease of relief. According to the CDC, osteoarthritis affects over 32.5 million U.S. adults in the U.S.  as well as being one of the most prevalent joint conditions. It happens when cartilage breaks down, allowing the bones to rub against one another, triggering pain and swelling.

Osteoarthritis mostly affects older people, however, any age person can be afflicted with it. The most affected joints are:

  • Knees
  • Hips
  • Lower back
  • Neck
  • Fingers,
  • Base of the thumb
  • Big toe

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

A debilitating autoimmune disease that attacks the lining of your joints resulting in swelling, aching, and throbbing of the joint and it can be a challenge to diagnose. Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect joints in any part of the body, although it mostly affects the hands, wrists, and knees.

3. Gout

An extremely painful form of arthritis that typically affects the big toe and can also cause it to become swollen and hot to the touch. This type of arthritis is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood and episodes are known to last anywhere from three to up to 10 days. Stress, alcohol and obesity can trigger an episode and men are more likely to get it over women. The great news is that it is easily treatable with medication and diet changes.

4. Lyme disease

The traditional and early sign of Lyme disease, a rash that resembles a bull’s eye. Long-term effects include joint pain and arthritis, which can appear at any time from a couple of weeks to a few months post infection. The joint pain from Lyme disease normally affects the knees and other larger joints in your body. The pain lessens as time goes by.

5. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is when you have an under-active thyroid. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck that regulates your metabolism and is responsible for controlling numerous other bodily functions.

6. Fibromyalgia 

Fibromyalgia, causes rampant muscle pain and tenderness, as well as fatigue, memory loss, joint pain and a host of other aches and pains. The condition affects about 2 to 4 percent of the world and is more prevalent in women than men.

What to Do to Ease Daily Chronic Joint Pain

People with chronic joint conditions have many ways to improve their life by following a few steps listed below. Speak with one of your specialists at SEPSC to discuss if low impact exercise is right for you and your condition.

  • Try to be more physically active — It is recommended that adults be moderately physically active for at least two and a half hours weekly. You can perform low impact physical activity to reduce joint pain.
  • Commit to daily, gentle stretches to prevent stiffness and expand your range of motion.
  • Try to use the correct posture.
  • Mind your limits, physical activity and rest, you absolutely do not want to overdo.
  • Manage your weight
  • Quitting smoking as smoking can cause stress on connective tissues, which can lead to increased pain.

Contact us today at SEPSC for more information on joint conditions and how our team of specialists can help you enjoy life again. We will create a personalized treatment plan that will allow you to live the best life you can. We look forward to consulting with you soon.