Pain

What Is Joint Pain?

Source: Healthline, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, National Center for Biotechnology Information: U.S. National Library of Medicine: National Institutes of Health

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Joints connect bones and allow the body to move. When working properly, they also help support bones and provide cushion between the bones. There are various joints in the body, but the main joints include the hips, shoulders, elbows, knees, wrists and ankles.

Symptoms

Joint pain is common and can be constant or intermittent. Symptoms include, but are not limited to, the following:

Discomfort
Aching
Redness
Swelling
Warm feeling
Stiffness
Decreased mobility
Soreness
Burning or throbbing pain

Common causes of joint pain

Joint pain is a common physical ailment. It is either acute or chronic and ranges from mild to severe. Joint pain can present due to various reasons. Common causes of joint pain include the following:

When to seek treatment

Although joint pain rarely requires a visit to the emergency room, a proper diagnosis is needed. If a joint causes intense pain, suddenly swells, becomes immobile, or appears to be physically deformed, a health care provider should be seen immediately.

Treatments

There are various medications and therapies that can help ease joint pain. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

Acetaminophen
NSAIDs
Prescription medications, such as muscle relaxers, antidepressants, and anticonvulsant drugs
Topical medication, including prescription analgesics or over-the-counter capsaicin creams
Injections
Physical therapy
Applying ice
Rest and elevation of the affected area
Bracing

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