Joint pain - Balance Clinic

What is Joint Pain?

Joint pain is extremely common and can originate from a variety of causes. It is characterized by soreness, aching, stiffness, or swelling around a joint. Joints are points where two bones meet, such as knees, hips, shoulders, and elbows.

Common Causes of Joint Pain

There are many potential causes of joint pain, including:

Arthritis - This is inflammation of the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types.
Injuries - Sprains, strains, fractures, and dislocations can all lead to acute joint pain. Sports injuries or falls are common culprits.
Overuse - Repetitive movements over time can irritate joints. Jobs or hobbies that require prolonged kneeling, squatting, typing, etc. often cause overuse joint injuries.
Autoimmune diseases - Conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis cause the immune system to attack healthy tissue in joints.
Infections - Bacterial or viral joint infections can cause severe pain, redness, and swelling.
Bone diseases - Rickets, osteomalacia, and osteoporosis make bones more fragile and prone to pain.

Symptoms of Joint Pain

How do you know if your discomfort is joint pain? Here are some common symptoms:

Symptom	Description
Aching, soreness, or stiffness	Discomfort around a joint
Swelling, redness, or warmth	Visible changes around a joint
Decreased range of motion	Difficulty moving a joint fully
Creaking, cracking, or grinding sounds	Audible noises with joint movement
Weakness, instability, or limping	Difficulty bearing weight on a joint
Pain that worsens with activity	Discomfort that increases with movement or weight-bearing

Seeking Treatment for Joint Pain

If you have persistent or worsening joint pain, it's important to see a doctor for an evaluation. Depending on the cause, treatments may include:

Treatment	Description
Pain medications	Over-the-counter NSAIDs or prescription pain relievers
Assistive devices	Canes, braces, splints to improve mobility and support joints
Physical therapy	Stretching, strengthening exercises to improve flexibility and reduce pain
Injections	Steroid injections directly into joints to reduce inflammation
Surgery	Joint repair or replacement surgery for severe joint damage

Lifestyle changes like rest, icing affected joints, and avoiding activities that aggravate pain can also help manage symptoms. Weight loss takes pressure off joints. Regular low-impact exercise keeps joints flexible.

For fast-acting, long-lasting joint pain relief, visit Balance Clinic. Our customized hormone therapy programs help naturally lubricate joints, decrease inflammation, improve cartilage elasticity, and reduce age-related joint deterioration. With convenient virtual consultations, we can create a joint-friendly hormone regimen tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more!

Conclusion

Joint pain is a common complaint with many potential causes, from injuries to chronic conditions like arthritis. Symptoms can range from mild aching to severe pain and decreased mobility. If you experience persistent or worsening joint pain, it's important to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. In addition to traditional treatments like pain medications and physical therapy, hormone therapy at Balance Clinic may provide natural, long-lasting relief for joint pain sufferers. Don't let joint pain hold you back - take action today to find the best treatment options for your unique needs.