Joint Pain & Injury Treatment
Wear and tear, arthritis, trauma and disease can cause joint pain in a variety of patients from young athletes to older adults. Whether in the hip joints or ankles, knees or elbows, levels of pain can range from a small irritation to a debilitating condition.
Common symptoms of joint pain include swelling, tenderness and resistance during activity or weight-bearing movements. Specific conditions and injuries that can lead to pain include:
- Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Strains
- Tendinitis
- Sprains
Some pain can be related to a traumatic event, like a trip and fall, or a sports-related injury or collision. Other types of joint pain are due to wear and tear, slow to develop and chronic in nature.
Treatment Options
An orthopaedic physician will take a full medical history and then determine how the joint pain began. Whether from a sudden injury or an overuse issue that continues to worsen, a physical examination will help the physician determine the current function of the joint. X-rays, MRIs and ultrasounds are often required to get an accurate picture of the joint and to better prescribe a treatment.
Once the physician has a clear idea of the condition, they will determine the best treatment. Most joint injuries can be treated non-surgically with:
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Temporarily limiting activity
- Biologics and injections
- Lipogems
If left untreated, even simple joint problems can turn into more complex issues. When joint pain or injuries don’t get better with rest and limited activity, they should be evaluated by a physician to determine the severity of the injury and the appropriate treatment plan. Joint replacement surgery will only be recommended by an orthopaedic physician that has evaluated the patient’s full medical history and current condition.