Joints play an essential role in the movement of human bones. When you have joint pain, you not only feel pain but also have limited mobility.

Many people ignore their joint pain, believing that it will go away on its own. However, no matter how minor your joint disorder appears to be, you should seek medical attention right away to ensure that you receive the proper treatment.

Commonly ignored causes of joint pain

Ignoring joint pain can lead to severe joint pain that limits movement. Some of the most commonly overlooked causes of joint pain include:

Injuries

Sprains and strains are common joint injuries that are frequently overlooked. They are often caused by an impact or overuse of the joint. Athletes and those who engage in strenuous activities such as gardening can develop this condition.

Some injuries will heal on their own over time, but if the joint becomes swollen, reddish, stiff, and has limited movement, you should see a doctor.

Also read: Foods That Arthritis Patients Need To Avoid

Infections

Viral infections can also cause arthritis. Some of the viral infections that can cause joint inflammation include:

• Chikungunya
• Covid-19
• Hepatitis B and C
• Herpes simplex
• HIV
• Rubella

Unlike osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, viral-induced joint pain is not a chronic condition and can be treated with antiviral medications. It usually goes away within a few weeks of treatment.

Gout

One of the most common, yet often overlooked, causes of joint pain is gout. Gout pain is caused by an excess of uric acid, which is used to break down purines that build up in the joints, resulting in sharp urate crystals that cause pain.

Some of the risk factors for gout include the following:

• A diet high in purines (red meat, shellfish and seafood)
• Obesity
• Having a family history of gout
• Taking certain medications that trigger an increase in uric acid

If you are experiencing gout-related joint pain, you should consult a doctor because it can be excruciating and interfere with your ability to move.

Bursitis

Bursitis is a condition in which the bursa, or cushion surrounding the joint, becomes inflamed. The bursa reduces friction between bones and tendons during movement. When there is inflammation in this area, the joint swells, becomes painful to the touch, and is difficult to move or bend. This condition is most common in the knee, but it can also affect the shoulder, elbow, and hip.

Also read: Recognize The Causes Of Limited Range Of Motion In Joints

Joint pain management

Joint pain can range from mild to severe. Some cases of joint pain resolve within a few weeks, but others can last for months. Joint pain or swelling can disrupt daily activities, necessitating immediate treatment.

Treatments for joint pain include:

Medications

Treatment of moderate to severe joint pain can use over-the-counter or prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other medications used to treat joint pain include muscle relaxants and antidepressants.

Physical therapy

Your doctor will recommend physical therapy to help strengthen and stabilize the muscles around your joints, allowing you to move more freely. Obese people may be advised to lose weight in order to reduce joint pressure.

Mild-to-severe joint pain should not be ignored. If your joint pain worsens at night and causes swelling and stiffness in the morning, you should see a doctor right away.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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