Joints are highly sensitive parts of the body as they are points where two or more bones meet. Weight is transferred from one part of the body to another at the joint intersection, allowing for the movement of your skeleton. Joint pain can be highly discomforting and leave one immobile and frustrated if not managed correctly. Because there are so many underlying conditions that can cause joint pain, it is crucial to visit a specialist and get a correct diagnosis.
Here are some useful facts about joint pain and some of its underlying conditions:
Joint pain can be self-inflicted
Sadly, many everyday activities can cause joint pain, especially if not managed correctly. These day-to-day activities included carrying heavy things, improper conditioning before exercising, and exercising while in pain. All those who enjoy marathon running must also beware.
It may not be arthritis
Arthritis is a form of joint pain that occurs when the tissues and components of a joint weaken over time. Arthritis can occur as a normal result of wear and tear of the joint from usage, but there are also a handful of autoimmune conditions in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks your joints and tissues.
Correct diagnosis is key
So, we’ve already learnt it may not be arthritis. What are then the other underlying conditions that can lead to arthritis? Researchers have established that there are over one hundred underlying conditions that can cause joint pain! A few of these conditions are chronic fatigue syndrome, bursitis, gout, and even just the common cold.
Diet can help
Gout is one of the conditions that can cause joint pain. Gout arises from the improper metabolic breakdown of protein, in which uric acid crystals are deposited in the joints, causing severe pain and tenderness. Thankfully, there are many ways to manage gout, including exercise, medication, and eating a diet with less meat.
There are over 50 types of arthritis
Even if one can tell that the cause of joint pain is arthritis, there is still a need to identify which of the 50 types of arthritis might be the cause! This emphasises the importance of seeing a doctor when one experiences joint pain. As each type of arthritis is different, naturally, it affects different types of joints. For example, osteoarthritis affects your larger, weight-bearing joints – such as your hips or knees, whereas smaller joints, such as your big toe, are the victims of gout.
Joint pain linked to heart disease
If the joint pain is as a result of rheumatoid arthritis, sufferers are significantly more at risk to heart problems, including heart attack and stroke. This is due to the high levels of inflammation in the body, which has a number of serious side effects.
A fever might indicate something else
Pain or inflammation in one’s joints could be due to a viral, fungal, or bacterial infection. As this can easily be mistaken for rheumatoid arthritis, if you are experiencing joint pain and fever, be sure to go for a check-up as the cause of your pain most likely may be from a temporary infection.
Joint pain can greatly affect one’s productivity and happiness. We need our joints for almost everything we do, so it is essential to take precautions to avoid joint pain, see a doctor when necessary, and live a healthy and balanced life to ease the stress on your body.
