Treating Joint Pain at Alliance Orthopedics
At-home care methods, such as exercise, rest, and over-the-counter pain medication, may help manage joint pain. However, if your pain becomes severe enough to interfere with your daily activities, it may be beneficial to seek the expertise of an orthopedic specialist. The team at Alliance Orthopedics specializes in orthopedic care and can offer a range of treatment options to alleviate the pain and improve mobility.
Common Causes of Joint Pain
There are several causes of joint pain, including bursitis, tendinitis, and injuries to the ligaments, tendons, or cartilage. One of the most common causes of joint-pain is arthritis. Arthritis is a degenerative condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. There are many types of arthritis and each type of arthritis has its own characteristics, symptoms, and, consequently, treatment plan. The most common types of arthritis include:
Osteoarthritis
The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, is caused by the natural wear and tear of joints over time. It tends to affect middle-aged and elderly individuals more frequently than other age groups. Osteoarthritis typically occurs in your knees, hands, hips, and spine.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that occurs in people with psoriasis, a skin disorder that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. Psoriatic arthritis may cause swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints. This type of arthritis affects roughly 30% of people with psoriasis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the bodyβs immune system attacks its own tissues. It is more common among women than men and often affects the joints in the hands, knees, and wrists.Β
Symptoms of Joint Pain
The symptoms may differ depending on the severity and origin of your pain. Common symptoms include:
- Stiffness and swelling in the joints
- Difficulty moving the joint or bearing weight on it
- Pain or tenderness around the joint
- Warmth around the affected area
- Grinding or clicking sensation when moving
If you are experiencing symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and swelling, it may be indicative of some form of arthritis. At Alliance Orthopedics, our specialists are trained to diagnose and treat arthritis using a combination of treatments. By seeking treatment early, you may prevent the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of health complications in the future.Β
Risk Factors
You may be more vulnerable to developing arthritis if you have one or more of the following risk factors:
- Being overweight or obese
- A family history of arthritis
- Previous joint injuries
- Partake in certain occupations that involve repetitive motions
- Tobacco use
- Being over the age of 50
Treatments for Joint Pain
At Alliance Orthopedics, we understand that joint pain can be debilitating, and we are committed to providing the best possible care to our patients. When you come to us for treatment, we begin by conducting a comprehensive evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your pain and identify the best course of treatment.
Based on the results of your evaluation, your individualized treatment plan may include a combination of the following: