Understanding Joint Pain: Its Causes and Remedies

In 1990, about 21 million Indians had osteoarthritis. And in 2019, that number shot up to 62.35 million. So, when you have some pain in your knees, wrists, or hips, it's pretty standard to assume you could be getting Arthritis. However, Arthritis is just one of many possible causes. The complexity of joint pain goes beyond the wear and tear of ageing joints.

So many factors, such as fitness levels, lifestyle choices, and other health conditions, play their role in deciding how to mess up your joints. So, in this blog, we'll be taking a look at different types of joint pain, their symptoms, and how to contain your Arthritis or joint pain.

Tendinitis

Tendons are thick fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone, and when these are inflamed, they can cause some pain and self-hatred. It's common in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, and knees, and it mainly pops up because of repetitive motion or working a specific joint. Like a tennis player might feel tendonitis on their hands, or a football player might have tendon issues on their knees and ankles. Unlike Arthritis, which affects the joint itself, tendinitis impacts the tendons surrounding the joint.

Symptoms:

• A dull ache, especially when moving the affected limb

• Tenderness around the joint

• Mild swelling in the tendon area

Bursitis

The bursa, or bursae, is a sack that is filled with liquid between bone and soft tissue, tendons, or the muscles around joints. They reduce tension and wear and tear by keeping it moist and lubricated like a well-oiled machine.

Bursitis happens when the bursa becomes inflamed, and while this usually happens in the hips, shoulders, elbows, and knees, it can affect any joint in the body.

Symptoms:

• Sharp pain when moving the affected joint

• Swelling and redness

• Warmth in the inflamed area

Infections (Septic Arthritis)

Infections in the joints can lead to another issue called septic Arthritis. Bacteria or viruses enter the joint space, causing inflammation and pain. It's a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms:

• Sudden onset of intense pain

• Red, hot, swollen joint

• Fever and chills

Fibromyalgia

This is a long-lasting disorder that causes a lot of pain and discomfort throughout your entire body, and it even causes fatigue and troubled sleep. Although this doesn't directly affect the joints like Arthritis, it causes stiffness and soreness in the areas around the joints. Scientists are still researching what causes this, but we do know some of its symptoms.

Symptoms:

• Diffuse pain throughout the body

• Fatigue and sleep disturbances

• Fibro fog

Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune conditions like lupus, Sjögren's syndrome, and scleroderma can also cause joint pain as in these cases, the body's immune system attacks its own tissues, including the joints, causing inflammation and discomfort similar to rheumatoid Arthritis.

Symptoms:

• Swollen and stiff joints

• Fatigue and general tiredness

• Other systemic symptoms, depending on the condition

Gout

Gout is another type of inflammatory Arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, and this usually causes sudden and severe joint pain, usually affecting the big toe, but it can occur in any joint.

Symptoms:

• Intense joint pain, usually at night

• Swelling, warmth, and redness

• Joint stiffness

Arthritis is a common cause of joint pain, and managing this pain is very important to reduce discomfort and go beyond that! Why would you want joint pain to make you sit at home and not enjoy an hour of turf cricket or some bowling with the boys (or girls)? So, here are a few ways of managing Arthritis and other joint conditions:

Medications

For many types of joint pain, over-the-counter medications like Combiflam and Dolo can help reduce inflammation and discomfort. However, in more severe cases, doctors may prescribe stronger medications such as corticosteroids to slow the progression of autoimmune forms of Arthritis like rheumatoid Arthritis.

Physical Therapy

If you have pains in your joints, it's always great to get professional help. They can help with different movements to not only help reduce stress on the joint itself but also improve mobility and decrease pain.

Exercise

Low-impact activities like swimming, walking, or cycling can keep your joints flexible and strong without putting undue stress on them, while exercises with weights help improve bone density, which is important for joint stability.

Weight Management

Carrying too much weight, loading too much on your deadlifts and squats, or simply being overweight can put extra stress on your joints, mainly in the knees, hips, and lower back. So, keeping a healthy weight and lifting within a manageable range can help reduce joint pain and reduce the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis or worsening your current condition.

Hot and Cold Therapy

Applying heat can relax muscles and improve circulation, while cold packs can reduce swelling and numb the painful area, so mixing them can be really helpful and you might feel much better too!

Inflammation is one of the body's natural responses to an injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation, which happens well after the body has healed, causes joint pain. This is often seen in autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid Arthritis, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue.

Inflammation isn't always apparent, but it often manifests as:

• Swelling in the joint

• Stiffness, particularly in the morning

• Redness and warmth in the affected area

Managing inflammation is key to reducing joint pain. Anti-inflammatory medications, lifestyle changes, and dietary adjustments can all help control inflammation and improve joint health.

Foods That Reduce Inflammation

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fatty fish like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds

• Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, and other dark green vegetables are rich in antioxidants

• Turmeric: Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties

• Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, and other berries contain antioxidants that combat inflammation

Foods That Support Joint Health

• Vitamin D and Calcium: Essential for bone health, found in dairy products, fortified foods, and green vegetables like broccoli.

• Antioxidants: Found in fruits and vegetables, these compounds fight oxidative stress, which contributes to inflammation.

• Magnesium: Helps relax muscles and prevent joint stiffness. Nuts, seeds, and leafy greens are rich in magnesium.

Stress and joint health might seem like completely different things, but there's actually a surprising connection here. Chronic stress can lead to increased muscle tension, which can put pressure on your joints. This is because stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that can increase inflammation in the body, contributing to joint discomfort.

Tips for Managing Stress and Joint Pain:

• Practice mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing

• Get regular physical activity

• Get enough sleep

• Talk to a counsellor or therapist to manage chronic stress

Now you know what joint pain actually is, what are its different types, what causes it and how you can prevent it! Good for you! While Arthritis is a common cause of joint pain, it's important to recognize that there are many other conditions and lifestyle factors that can contribute to discomfort. Understanding the root cause of your joint pain is key to finding effective treatment, whether it's tendinitis, bursitis, stress, or even dietary habits.