Joint pain

What is Joint Pain?

Joint pain refers to discomfort, aches, and soreness in any of the body's joints. This common problem can range from mild to severe, coming on suddenly or slowly over time.

Causes

There are many potential causes of joint pain. Some of the most common include:

• Arthritis - Joint inflammation that causes stiffness and damage over time. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two main types.


• Injuries - Sprains, fractures, and dislocations can lead to acute and chronic joint pain.


• Overuse - Repeated movements or overexertion places stress on joints.


• Autoimmune disorders - Diseases like lupus cause joint inflammation and pain.


• Infections - Bacterial and viral joint infections create swelling and irritation.

What are the most common sites for joint pain?

The knees, hips, back, hands, shoulders and neck tend to be frequent sites of joint discomfort and degeneration. However, pain can occur in any joint.

Symptoms

• Joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity


• Swelling around joints


• Redness and warmth around joints


• Limited range of motion and flexibility


• Tenderness when pressure is applied

Treatments

Effective treatments for managing joint pain include:

• Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation


• Physical therapy and regular exercise to maintain strength and flexibility


• Assistive devices like braces, splints, or crutches to improve mobility


• Injections of steroids or hyaluronic acid for lubrication


• Surgery such as joint replacement for end-stage arthritis

Natural Hormone Balance for Joint Health

Did you know that hormone imbalances can contribute to painful joints? Balance & Renew Clinic offers customized bioidentical hormone therapy to help restore optimal hormone levels. Balancing key hormones like estrogen, testosterone and growth hormone through replacement with bioidentical hormones enhances bone, muscle, and joint health in both women and men. Contact Balance & Renew Clinic today to find out how our integrative treatments can reduce joint inflammation and discomfort!

I hope this overview on the causes, symptoms and both medical and natural treatment options for joint pain has been helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions!