Joint Pain Information Guide

Joint Pain, Inlcuding Knee Pain, Hip Pain and Back Pain Shouldn't Hold You Back

Everyone experiences pain of some kind, but joint pain isn't normal. Joint pain can commonly cause:

• Knee pain
• Hip pain
• Shoulder pain
• Back pain
• Eblow pain
• Foot/ankle pain

There are certain signs to watch for, and if you experience any of these signs or symptoms, you should seek medical help.

1. If pain lasts longer than two-weeks, this pain can be the cause of something more serious
2. If you have experienced recent trauma (car accident, hard fall) medical attention is needed
3. If your new pain is the worst pain you’ve ever experienced, seek medical attention for proper evaluation
4. If the pain wakes you up at night, that is cause for concern and should be evaluated professionally

The Role of Joints in Your Body

Joints provide support for your body, help you move and are the connections between your bones. A joint occurs when two or more bones meet, allowing repeated, smooth movement between bones with respect to one another. In order for this fluid movement to happen, the bones that meet at a specific joint must be attached to each other. The attachment needs to be firm enough to support the bones, but also flexible enough to allow for movement between the connecting bones. When these support structures are damaged, bones begin to ram into one another, damaging the cartilage that lines the joint, and can lead to pain and discomfort.

Joint pain can be caused by many types of injuries or conditions. It may be linked to arthritis, bursitis, and muscle pain. No matter what causes it, joint pain can be very bothersome.

Some things that can cause joint pain are:

• Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
• Bursitis
• Chondromalacia patellae
• Crystals in the joint: gout (especially found in the big toe) and CPPD arthritis (pseudogout)
• Infections caused by a virus
• Injury, such as a fracture
• Osteoarthritis
• Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
• Septic arthritis (joint infection)
• Tendinitis
• Unusual exertion or overuse, including strains or sprains

What Can You Expect?

If you seek medical help for joint pain, your doctor will first assess the joint(s) that is causing pain or discomfort. In this initial exam, you can expect your doctor to:

• Inspect your joint(s) for redness, swelling, deformity or skin changes
• Feel the joint(s) for warmth or coolness, swelling, tenderness, blood flow and sensation
• Test the joint's range of motion using either, or both, an active or passive test. While the test is performed, your doctor will listen for popping, grinding or clicking sounds.
  • Active test: you use your muscles to move your affected joint(s)
  • Passive test: your doctor will move your affected joint(s)
• Check the ligaments that support the affected joint(s)

Treating Your Joint Pain

Depending on the level pain experienced with your joint discomfort, there are multiple treatment options to consider:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications
• Topical creams and applications
• Steroid and/or hyaluronan injections
• Physical therapy
• Home care (use a brace or wrap, rest, ice the joint, compress the joint with an elastic wrap, and elevate the joint above your heart)
• Surgery including arthroscopic and total joint replacement

Is it Time to Seek Help?

Call 513 346 1600 if:

• You have fever that is not associated with flu symptoms
• You have lost 10 pounds or more without trying (unintended weight loss)
• Your joint pain lasts for more than 3 days
• You have severe, unexplained joint pain and swelling, particularly if you have other unexplained symptoms