Joint pain can occur at any age. However, older adults are more likely to experience it due to various reasons. Injury is one of the most common causes of joint pain; however, as people age, the amount of lubricating fluid inside the joints decreases, which results in pain and makes joint movements less flexible.
In addition to it, various medical conditions can also lead to joint pain. According to Dr Deepak Kumar Mishra, Director and Head – Orthopaedics, Asian Hospital, Faridabad, long-term causes may include different types of arthritis, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Osteoarthritis (OA), both of which affect the joints. However, the question is: how do we identify joint problems associated with these conditions?
Also Read: Health Conditions That Cause Joint Pain Other Than Arthritis
Possible Causes Of Persistent Joint Pain
Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the two most common causes of joint pain, says Dr Mishra.
OA is a more common form of arthritis, caused by ageing cartilage that serves as a cushion between the bones. It advances slowly and mostly affects those over 45.
RA, on the other hand, is a chronic illness that causes painful and swollen joints. It usually begins to develop between the ages of 30 and 60.
Some other conditions that may cause joint pain include gout, bursitis, tendinitis, and certain viral infections, according to the doctor.
Explaining the condition of gout, he says, “Acidic crystals from your body build up in your joint, producing excruciating pain and swelling. Usually, this affects your big toe.”
“Bursitis results from overuse, and usually it's in your elbow, shoulder, knee, or hip, whereas tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons, which are the pliable bands that join the muscles and bones.” Tendinitis usually occurs in your shoulder, elbow, or heel, and overuse is the culprit in most cases.
How To Know If Your Joint Pain Is Arthritis
While symptoms alone cannot confirm whether or not you have arthritis, Dr Mishra shares some telltale indicators. These include:
- Arthritis can cause persistent pain or intermittent episodes. It might happen when you're moving or at rest.
- Pain can originate in one area of the body or spread to other areas.
- In certain kinds of arthritis, the skin surrounding the afflicted joint may get red, swollen, and warm to the touch.
- In some cases, swelling may persist for three days or more, or it can happen more than three times a month.
- Rigidity is a characteristic sign of arthritis, particularly in the morning or after extended periods of time spent driving or sitting at a computer.
- When morning stiffness persists for more than an hour, it could be a sign.
- Having trouble getting out of a chair is another common symptom.
Diagnosis And Treatment Options To Explore
If your doctor suspects arthritis, he or she may ask you to move a joint back and forth during physical examinations to determine your range of motion. By manipulating the joint on your behalf, the physician may also assess passive range of motion, says Dr Mishra.
He explains, “A range of motion tests might reveal any discomfort, which could be an indication of arthritis.”
Depending on your medical history, your doctor may also order blood work if necessary.
Arthritis treatment usually includes medications, physical therapy, exercise, weight management, dietary changes, hot or cold therapy, acupuncture, and joint injections, according to the doctor.