Why Do I Have Joint Pain?
Joint pain is incredibly common, and has a higher chance of occurring as you age. It can affect any part of your body (and sometimes even affects multiple parts of your body at the same time), and can be both painful and debilitating to manage. We’ve compiled a list of some common ways that you can develop joint pain in order to help you determine what the root cause of your joint pain may be.
Aging
As we age, our bones, muscles, and joints all age and become more weak and brittle. We lose bone density, mineral and calcium content, and oftentimes become more stiff with time. This especially holds true for those who cannot maintain healthy lifestyles, and become less physically active as they grow older. This is one of many reasons why staying active is so important!
Arthritis
Mayo Clinic defines arthritis as “the swelling and tenderness of one or more of your joints.” Though it sounds simple, arthritis can be incredibly painful, and usually worsens with age. Its main symptoms are joint pain and stiffness, and there are two main kinds: osteoarthritis (which causes cartilage to break down), and Rheumatoid arthritis (which causes one’s immune system to attack the joints). Gout is also a kind of arthritis that often causes joint pain, and is described by Cleveland Clinic as “a painful condition where crystals from the body collect in the joint, causing severe pain and swelling.”
COVID-19
While not a main symptom or lasting effect of COVID-19, recent studies have found that out of about 11,946 COVID patients, 11% – 16% suffered from arthralgia, or joint pain. A study completed in 2021 by Wilton Surgery Center found that “about 50% of patients said that their muscle, bone, and joint problems have exacerbated since quarantine.” Since physical activity is often recommended to help relieve joint pain, stay-at-home orders have made it more difficult to manage COVID-related joint pain.
Obesity
Did you know that every extra pound you carry puts 4 pounds of pressure on your knees? Obesity is one of the main contributors to joint pain, and it’s no surprise as to why. By maintaining a healthy diet and maintaining a weight that’s healthy for your age and body-type, you’ll decrease the amount of pressure put on your bones, thus decreasing your chance of developing joint pain.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis (also spelled tendonitis), is cellular irritation of the tendons that does not involve the reactions of the immune system. Repeated overuse or strain of the tendons can over time lead to cellular change to the surrounding tendons and micro-tears. This can occur as a result of high-impact sports or traumatic injuries.
People over the age of 40 are more susceptible to these conditions, since over time, tendons become weaker due to stress. Arthritis, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis can also lead to tendinitis and tendinosis. Regular exercise and stretching are essential to keep the tendons limber and strong, and in helping prevent future diseases.
Sprains and Other Injuries
There may not always be a clear-cut answer as to why one experiences joint pain. Sprains, bone breaks, and other injuries can also cause one to feel joint pain; if you’re unsure as to why you’re experiencing such pain, or have been suffering with joint pain for an extended period of time, it might be a good idea to consider seeking help from a licensed professional.
Healthpointe now offers a Regenerative Medicine program that is equipped with a multidisciplinary team of physicians and state-of-the art technology aimed at providing you with the best care possible. Our physicians can offer customized treatment plans to better fit your specific needs. Contact Healthpointe today to schedule an appointment and learn more about our Regenerative Medicine program.
About Healthpointe:
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California.
As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery.