Joint pain can affect people of all ages, making it difficult to enjoy everyday activities. While occasional stiffness may not be a cause for concern, persistent or worsening pain could indicate an underlying issue. Understanding the potential causes of joint discomfort can help you take proactive steps toward relief.
One of the most common causes of joint pain is osteoarthritis. This condition develops over time as cartilage—the protective tissue that cushions joints—gradually wears down. As a result, bones may rub against each other, leading to stiffness, swelling, and discomfort. Symptoms often worsen with age but can also be influenced by lifestyle factors such as activity levels and weight.
What You Can Do:
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints.
Stay active with low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling.
Consider using supportive braces or ergonomic tools for daily activities.
Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriatic arthritis can trigger joint inflammation. These conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness, especially in the morning.
What You Can Do:
Pay attention to early signs like prolonged morning stiffness.
Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods into your diet, such as leafy greens and fatty fish.
Consult a healthcare professional for personalized strategies to support joint health.
If you engage in repetitive activities—such as typing, running, or lifting—you may experience joint pain due to overuse. This strain can lead to conditions like tendonitis or bursitis, which cause inflammation and discomfort in the affected area.
What You Can Do:
Take breaks during repetitive tasks to prevent strain.
Stretch regularly to improve flexibility and joint mobility.
Apply ice or heat packs as needed for temporary relief.
Infections in the joints, such as septic arthritis, can cause sudden and severe pain, along with redness and swelling. These conditions require prompt medical attention to prevent complications. If you notice warmth around the joint, fever, or rapid swelling, it’s essential to seek care as soon as possible.
What You Can Do:
Be aware of symptoms like fever, redness, and unusual swelling.
Seek medical care immediately if joint pain is accompanied by infection symptoms.
Practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of bacterial infections.
Gout is a form of arthritis that results from high uric acid levels in the blood, leading to the formation of sharp crystals in the joints—often affecting the big toe. This condition can cause sudden, intense pain, redness, and swelling.
What You Can Do:
Limit foods high in purines, such as red meat and shellfish.
Stay hydrated to help flush excess uric acid from the body.
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, which can contribute to flare-ups.
If joint pain persists, worsens, or interferes with your daily life, it's important to consult a healthcare provider. Ignoring symptoms could lead to long-term complications, so early intervention is key.
At Eastside Family Health Center, we specialize in regenerative medicine, offering solutions to support joint health and mobility. Call us today at 425-899-2525 or schedule an appointment online here.
