By Jackie Manning, ARNP, Strive! Health and Rehabilitation
Remember the childhood game connect the dots? Think of your joints as those important dots that connect your bones to one another. Joints are crucial to our body’s functionality. We also know that joints are what facilitate our free movement. The main joints include our shoulders, hips, knees, and elbows. Pain in one or more of these joints can have a tremendous effect on our ability to perform daily activities.
Causes of Joint Pain
Joint pain can consist of any discomfort, aches, or soreness and can occur due to a variety of reasons. Four of the most common causes include:
Arthritis
It is estimated that approximately one-third of adults have osteoarthritis. This is a condition that occurs when the protective tissue at the ends of our bones, called cartilage, deteriorates over time due to repetitive movement. This type of arthritis often occurs in the hips, knees, fingers, hands, and spine. Another type that is more common in women is rheumatoid arthritis, which is caused by chronic inflammation, mainly affecting the joints of the hands and feet.
Other Afflictions
There are a variety of ailments that can cause joint pain, but a few of the most common are gout, hyperthyroidism and lupus.
Overuse
Over time, repeated use of a body part can cause strain. When tissue is broken down faster than it can repair itself, the potential for injury increases. Overuse injuries can happen from sports participation, strength training, or even vocations and professional jobs that require specific repetitive movements.
Effects of Weather Changes
No, it’s not your imagination. Weather can impact our bodies through changes in barometric pressure. As barometric pressure drops, there is less of a push against the body. The resulting expansion of inner tissue can create stress on joints.
What can help?
Depending on the cause of your pain, options may include:
Medication, nutrition changes, muscle relaxers, topical agents, steroid injections, physical therapy, or alternative treatments like chiropractic adjustments or massage.
At Strive, we can help to determine the cause of your pain, and we offer a wide range of therapies and modalities to treat it. We want to get you back to your normal activities. Contact us to meet with one of our joint pain specialists.
