If pain wasn't bad enough, to have it in the joints is the worst. Causing distraction, and inability to do certain things, painful joints affect your job, home, and personal life all at the same time. Realizing that the pain is really only the symptom for a more serious cause is the first step to getting rid of it. If you don't know what causes painful joints you can't very well treat it.
The tenderness and swelling associated with joint pain can be bothersome. It can also be described as feeling bruised or a restriction of movement in the joint. Inflammation and redness can also be seen in some conditions. These symptoms are all pointers to what the real cause may be. Don't assume that because you are 50+ in age that it is arthritis.
However, arthritis in the joints, or Rheumatism is the most common diagnosis. Inflammation caused by the degeneration of cartilage, and the wearing down of bone in the joints is called Osteoarthritis. These types of arthritis, including Rheumatoid Arthritis and Septic Arthritis are generally the cause of pain in older people, but it doesn't rule out the possibilities of other causes. Make sure your doctor is aware of any other reason that may be the cause for your pain.
An injury to a ligament, cartilage or bone in the joint area, caused by an accident, sport or outdoor activity, is the next largest reason for painful joints. If pain, swelling and redness occur after an injury it is important to put ice on the affected area. Contact a medical professional to find out how bad the injury is and how best to treat it.
Other causes can be infectious diseases that affect the area around the joints. These include, but are not limited to, Lupus or SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus), rheumatic fever, chicken pox, mumps, hepatitis and the common flu. If any of these are left untreated it could cause more severe problems to occur. It could be Lyme disease if a headache, rash and tiredness accompany the pain.
Sharp pains in the toes, feet and ankles could be diagnosed as Gout, a temporary condition that can be treated by changing the diet. Overweight individuals also tend to have joint, and muscle pain, caused by the additional pressure on the joints and surrounding muscles. Increased fruits and vegetables, and at least 8 glasses of water per day, along with a good exercise program will help both of these conditions.
Doctors will use several methods to determine the cause of your pain. Usually a physical exam, including your clinical history, along with possible X-rays, MRI, bone scans and urine tests, will be used to help in the diagnosis. This is the most important step, so make sure you discuss all possibilities, as well as the resulting diagnosis, with your physician for the best treatment options to be determined.
Pain relief is important, but understanding and treating the cause should be your number one goal. Of course, if any of the above symptoms are combined with fever or chills, severe headache, or upset stomach please consult your doctor, as this could be a more serious condition. Correct diagnosis is the key to treating the pain.
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