Do your knees feel stiff when you get out of bed in the morning? Do you feel a pinching pain in your hips when you get up after sitting in a chair for a while? Or do you constantly have pain in your joints, such as your fingers and elbows? These are common symptoms of a condition called joint pain that we all experience, but sometimes we don't pay much attention to. For some, it comes and goes, while for others, it's a problem that bothers us all day long. So today, let's talk about what this joint pain is, why it occurs, and what can be done about it.
Simply put, what is this joint pain?
Joint pain is discomfort or pain in one or more joints in our body. What is a joint? It is the place where two or more bones in our body connect together. For example, the hip joint is where your thigh bone connects to your hip bone.
This pain can be felt in different ways. Some people feel it as a cramping sensation accompanied by nausea . Others feel a burning or stinging sensation. Sometimes, when you bend your joints, you may feel a "clicking" sound. The joints may be a little stiff and difficult to move, especially in the morning. This feeling gradually decreases as you go about your daily activities. However, if you work too hard or get tired, the pain may increase again.
If this pain becomes severe, it can even make it difficult to carry out your daily activities. Therefore, when treating this, it is very important to plan the treatment in a way that not only reduces the pain, but also helps you live your life as normally as possible and enjoy it.
What are the main causes of this joint pain?
There can be many reasons why joints hurt. Let's look at the main ones. To understand this information clearly, see the table below.
| Medical condition | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Osteoarthritis | This is what we commonly call "joint degeneration." The cushion-like cartilage that protects the ends of our bones wears away over time. The bones then rub against each other, causing pain and stiffness. This is usually more common after the age of 45. |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) | This is not a joint infection. It is a condition where our body's own immune system attacks our own joints. This causes the joints to swell, become painful, and over time, can become stiff (especially the fingers and wrists). |
| Gout | Gout is a severe pain and swelling caused by the deposition of small crystals of a chemical called uric acid in the joints. It feels like a sharp pain in the joint. It most commonly occurs in the big toe. |
| Bursitis | A swelling that occurs due to continuous, excessive use of a joint. It is most commonly seen in places like the hip, knee, elbow, or shoulder. |
| Tendinitis | Tendons are the cord-like structures that connect our muscles to our bones. This is also often caused by repetitive motion. It can be seen in places like the elbow, heel, or shoulder. |
In addition, some viral infections, flu, or skin rashes can also cause temporary joint pain. Joint pain can also occur due to injuries such as fractures and sprains.
Who is more at risk?
- For those who already have a long-term condition like arthritis.
- For those who have had an accident at a junction before.
- For those who continuously use the same muscle or joint (e.g. athletes, people in certain occupations).
- For those suffering from conditions such as stress, depression, and anxiety.
- For those who are overweight. Your risk is higher if your body mass index (BMI) is over 25. This is because extra weight puts more pressure on joints like the knees and hips.
- This risk increases with age . It is normal for our joints to wear out over the years.
Well, then what is the treatment for this?
Some joint pain may not be completely curable, but there are many ways to manage it well and live with pain control.
1. Simple things you can do at home
- Hot and cold applications: Applying a hot water bottle or a washcloth to the painful area for about 15 minutes several times a day can provide relief. If there is swelling, applying an ice pack is best.
- Bathing in warm water: Soaking in a tub of lukewarm water for a while can relax muscles and joints and reduce pain.
2. Exercise and weight loss
- Exercise: "How can I exercise when my joints hurt?" you may be wondering. But the right exercise strengthens the muscles around the joints and increases the support they receive. Low-impact exercise, such as walking and swimming, is best. However, it is essential to talk to your doctor before starting any exercise regimen.
- Losing weight: If you're a little overweight, losing a few pounds can greatly reduce the pressure on weight-bearing joints like your knees and hips.
3. Medicines and cosmetics
- Painkillers: Painkillers such as Paracetamol or NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) can provide relief.
- Topical treatments: Applying ointments and gels to the painful joint can provide temporary relief.
- Assistive devices: You may be prescribed to use things like a brace or a cane.
- Physical Therapy: Proper exercises and treatment under the supervision of a physical therapist can reduce pain and improve joint function.
- Steroid injections: When there is severe pain and swelling, this injection, which is injected directly into the joint, can provide short-term relief.
- Arthroscopy: This involves making several small incisions near the joint and inserting a thin instrument with a camera to remove or repair worn cartilage or broken bone fragments.
- Joint Replacement: If the cartilage in a joint has worn away completely, the joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint made of metal or plastic. This surgery is performed very successfully for the hip and knee joints.
- Joint pain is very common, but don't ignore it. It could be a warning from your body.
- There are simple home remedies for minor pain, but if the pain lasts more than a few days, seek medical advice.
- Never use painkillers for a long time without consulting a doctor.
- If you experience symptoms such as fever, joint warmth, and weight loss along with the pain, see a doctor immediately.
- An accurate diagnosis is the first step to successful treatment. So, don't be afraid or delay, see a doctor and discuss your problem.
Very important: Never take painkillers without consulting a doctor. NSAIDs, in particular, can be harmful to people with stomach ulcers, kidney disease, or liver disease. Therefore, always take medications only under medical advice.
4. Other treatments available through a doctor
If the above measures don't control your pain, your doctor may recommend treatments such as:
What are the solutions provided by surgery?
If medications and physical therapy fail to reduce long-term pain, surgery may be considered.
Warning signs that require immediate medical attention
In addition to general joint pain, if you have these symptoms, be sure to see a doctor.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| See a doctor immediately! | |
| The joint becomes hot and swollen. | If the joint feels warm to the touch and is severely swollen, it could be a sign of infection. Go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) for immediate medical attention. |
| Fever with pain | If there is a fever along with joint pain, it could also be an infection or another medical condition. |
| Weight loss for no reason | If your weight has decreased by 4-5 kilos for no reason (without dieting), it could be a sign of a serious illness. |
| Inability to walk | If you are unable to walk normally due to pain, be sure to seek medical advice. |
When you go to see the doctor, he will ask you a few questions. For example, when did the pain start, does anyone in your family have this kind of disease, and what the nature of the pain is. So it will be easier for you to go in with a little understanding about this. If necessary, he may also refer you for X-rays or blood tests.
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