Common Causes of Joint Pain

Joints are a very important part of your body; after all, without them, you simply wouldn’t be able to move! Joints connect your bones to one another and provide support and movement for the whole body. If you are experiencing joint pain, your ability to move can be greatly impacted, and the pain itself can be debilitating. While there are numerous causes of pain in your joints, here are a few of the most common ones, and what you can do to keep the pain at bay.

Osteoarthritis– Also called degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear on the body due to the breakdown of cartilage between joints. This leads to pain and stiffness. Some of the treatment options for osteoarthritis include medication, joint replacement surgery and weight management.

Rheumatoid arthritis– Sometimes abbreviated RA, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to chronic pain and joint stiffness that can last all day. Medication for management of RA symptoms can reduce the accompanying joint stiffness and pain.

Gout– This form of arthritis is characterized by a sudden onset of pain, redness, and tenderness in joints, primarily the joint at the base of the big toe. Though men are more likely to suffer from gout, women become more susceptible to it following menopause. Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in your body, which leads to urate crystals- sharp, needle-like formations in a joint or surrounding tissue that cause much pain and swelling. Gout medications can be taken to prevent future attacks, while NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen can be used to reduce swelling and pain in the joints.

Injury– If you were active in sports as a youth, or currently participate in athletic activities such as running or football, a joint injury can cause pain, ranging from infrequent discomfort to chronic, debilitating pain. Depending on the level of severity, some joint pain caused by a previous injury can be relieved by NSAIDs or other over-the-counter pain relievers, while more severe pain may require rehabilitation therapy and even joint replacement surgery.

Family Chiropractic Care Can Help With Your Joint Pain

If you suffer from joint pain, Family Chiropractic Care is here to help you. In addition to our full-service chiropractic care, we also offer massage therapy, nutritional assessments, and lifestyle advice to help you be your best self! If you are in the Longview, WA area and are ready to get rid of the pain for good, contact Family Chiropractic today at 360-636-2636 for your free consultation with Dr. Still and his staff. It’s time to live a pain-free life!