Joint pain is a common problem. Questions about what it is related to and how to get rid of it have not left people for a long time. Scientific discoveries have made it possible to successfully fight pathologies and extend the service life of joints.
In this article, we will consider the causes and treatment of severe pain in the small joints of the arms and legs, what to do when all the joints of the body hurt, and how to treat pain in the muscles and bones.
Causes of pain
Why do my joints hurt? The causes of joint pain may be related to:
- with injuries (sprains, sprains of ligaments or tendons, fractures, microtraumas); pain during the injury is pain, pulling, burning that bothers the victim even at rest;
- physical exertion (sports or industry); Constant physical exertion causes muscle and connective tissue microdamages. Joints wear out prematurely, causing degenerative diseases;
- joint pathologies.
The most common joint diseases are associated with connective tissue damage, cartilage destruction, decreased bone density, infectious processes, and metabolic disorders. Diseases caused by developmental anomalies (dysplasia, congenital dislocation or subluxation, congenital inflammatory-degenerative processes) are extremely rare. We will consider only acquired diseases.
Arthrosis
Arthrosis is a degenerative disease associated with a decrease in bone density.It often affects older people, women during menopause, and people with metabolic disorders.
The pain syndrome develops slowly, gradually increases, increases in strength, and the pain is uncomfortable even at rest.Often, the initial development of arthrosis is the answer to the question of why the knees hurt from the cold. The disease is irreversible, so its treatment is aimed at preventing further destruction of bones and the development of joint deformation.
Arthritis
There are many varieties.It affects the connective tissue of the joint.The pain may increase gradually or develop rapidly over several days. The joints swell, the skin turns red, and the joint tissue is warm to the touch.
The disease is treated depending on its cause. If it is an infection - anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics, autoimmune disorders in rheumatoid arthritis - immunosuppressants, along with the use of NSAIDs for gout arthritis, diet is required.
Patient complaints about why the joints of the whole body ache at the same time at night can be a sign or a precursor to an aggressive form of rheumatoid arthritis. In another case, it can be a sign of serious physical fatigue.
Chronic rheumatism
Chronic rheumatism can last for years and affect internal organs.Characteristic symptoms include joint pain that occurs periodically and is accompanied by swelling and an increase in body temperature.
Joint damage due to gout is associated with metabolic disturbances and uric acid accumulation in the joints.From time to time, pain occurs in small joints(hands, thumb).
The pain is pressing and throbbing, disturbing at night.Bumps may appear in chronic form- accumulation of uric acid in the joint area.
If your entire spine begins to hurt, it may be a sign of the following diseases:
- osteochondrosis with damage to intervertebral discs;
- spondylosis;
- infectious lesions of the spine, including tuberculosis;
- As a psychosomatic reaction to an irritant, stress is the answer to the question "Can joints hurt from nerves? "
How to get rid of joint pain in the morning? To solve the problem, you need to determine the cause. Can be:
- ankylosing spondylitis affecting large joints and spine;
- deforming osteoarthritis;
- fusion of bone, cartilage or fibrous tissue after injury;
- osteochondrosis;
- bursitis, tendovaginitis.
Other reasons
Tendon diseases are similar in symptoms to arthrosis. They differ in that with arthrosis, pain will be felt even at rest, and with tendon disease, it manifests itself only when the muscles are tense.
A blocked or pinched nerve is also similar in pain to osteoarthritis. But the pain appears suddenly and sharply blocks the movement of the joint.
Vascular disorders are most often observed in shoulder and knee joints. They are associated with vasospasm or reduced blood supply. This is common in teenagers and is due to blood vessel growth occurring at a slower rate than bone growth.
The pain is symmetrical and resembles a "twist" or "pain". As you grow up, pain disappears until 18-20 years old.
Diagnostics
Accurate diagnosis of joint diseases is the key to successful treatment.
General examination and palpation allow to assess the patient's posture and movements, swelling, range of motion, distribution and nature of pain.
By feeling the painful point, you can determine, for example, the presence of rheumatoid nodules under the skin, changes in the temperature and humidity of the skin, the location of the pain and the condition of the joint capsule.
Analyzes
Blood and urine laboratory tests can reveal a number of factors that indicate the presence of the disease. When conducting a biochemical blood test, attention is paid to the content of C-reactive protein and rheumatoid factor.
An increased level of ESR will indicate the presence of an inflammatory process, a high level of uric acid is manifested in arthritis and other joint pathologies.
Abnormalities in urine tests are detected only in severe forms of the disease.
X-ray and MRI
X-rays are often used to rule out bone damage from trauma, as well as to evaluate joint condition in degenerative diseases.. In such cases, the symmetry of the joint damage, the presence of deformation and the size of the interarticular space are determined.
If a detailed analysis of bones and soft tissues is necessary, magnetic resonance imaging and computer tomography are performed.Using it, the doctor will be able to determine the compressed nerve fibers, the condition of the blood vessels, and the nature of the damage to the cartilage and bone tissue.
When to consult a doctor
You should see a doctor if:
- after the injury, severe pain is felt, the joint swells and its contours have changed; this may indicate a dislocation or fracture; in this case, an orthopedic surgeon or surgeon will help;
- joint pain, increased body temperature, skin rash or conjunctivitis, stomatitis;
- severe pain does not go away after taking painkillers;
- your joints have been aching for more than a week for reasons unknown to you.
Treatment
How to treat joint pain? Anyone who has been injured or suffers from joint pathology has faced this question.
Treatment of joints directly depends on the cause of their damage.Modern non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to reduce symptoms.
Together with them, vitamins and tissue regenerating substances are prescribed.Physiotherapy and manual therapy methods accelerate the healing process. How to get rid of joint pain and fever will be described below.
Medicines
Drug treatment depends on the clinical picture and condition of the patient.
Complex drugs from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to relieve pain and inflammation.They quickly and effectively eliminate symptoms and act in several directions at once: pain, swelling and inflammatory processes. However, it should be remembered that their excessive consumption leads to intoxication, damage to internal organs (liver, kidneys, stomach) or other disorders, so they should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor.
Attention!If there is no urgent need to take tablets, these same products can be used in the form of gels and ointments.
Venotonics are prescribed to improve blood supply.They restore blood supply, help reduce swelling due to lymph flow, remove toxins and improve tissue nutrition.
Muscle relaxants are used to relieve severe muscle spasms. It is necessary if the compression of the nerve endings causes severe tension in the adjacent muscles, which reduces joint mobility and causes continuous sharp pain.
Vitamins and chondroprotectors– is a component of any joint therapy. They restore tissues and prevent their further destruction. This is especially important when a degenerative disease is diagnosed, the development of which can be stopped, but not completely eliminated. Preparations containing glucosamine and chondroitin participate in the regeneration of cartilage and connective tissue of joints and prevent their destruction.
Vitamins with calcium improve the condition of bone tissue, increase its density and prevent its destruction.
Vitamin D is necessary for the synthesis of calcium in the body, regulates the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus, participates in the formation of the bone skeleton, and improves the absorption of calcium in the intestines.
Zinc is necessary for the protection of the reproductive system and the synthesis of sex hormones. When they are missing, bone tissue is destroyed.
Copper is essential for the formation of elastin and collagen, which are part of the connective tissue of the joint.
If an infection is detected during the diagnosis, antibiotic therapy is carried out.The type and duration of the course depends on the form of the pathogen.
Hormonal drugs are prescribed in severe cases where NSAIDs do not give a positive result.These are strong drugs and are used as a last resort. They quickly relieve severe pain and restore joint mobility. To do this, they are most often used in the form of injections and injected directly into the joint.
Immunosuppressants are also powerful drugs used in extreme cases. They are prescribed for autoimmune pathologies and are taken only under the supervision of a doctor.
Folk treatment
Traditional medicine offers many methods for the treatment of joints. Be sure to consult your doctor before using them and discuss whether there are any contraindications or allergy risks.
Treating joints with folk remedies at home can only be used as an auxiliary method. You should not put this in the first place and you should not neglect the recommendations of your doctor.
- Bay leaf tincture.Pour 20 bay leaves into 0. 5 liters of boiling water in a thermos and leave to brew for a day. The decoction can be taken in small sips during the day, the treatment period is 2 months.
- Gelatin compress.Sprinkle gelatin (1 bag - 15-50 g) over the joint and cover with a cloth or gauze soaked in hot water, then wrap with film and a warm, dry cloth. Keep the compress overnight, repeat this for two weeks.
- Bend.For wrapping, take cabbage, coltsfoot or burdock leaves, tie them in a joint and leave it overnight, wrapped in a warm bandage.
- Chestnut tincture.200 g of chestnut flowers are poured into 1 liter of vodka and the mixture is left to brew for 2 weeks, shaking occasionally. After that, the tincture can be used to rub painful joints.
- Rub the pork fat.A small piece of lard is rubbed on the painful area in circular motions until it is completely dissolved.
- Honey and salt compress.Mix honey and fine salt in equal parts, apply to the joint, cover with cling film and wrap it warm, leave overnight.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is performed for:
- restoration of metabolism in joint tissues;
- improvement of microcirculation and lymphatic drainage;
- reduce pain, swelling and inflammation;
- deeper penetration of the drug into the tissue (electrophoresis with medicinal ointments);
- activation of natural regeneration processes.
Methods such as phonophoresis, electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, laser therapy, cryotherapy, and shock wave therapy are used.
Physical therapy has several advantages. It is suitable for most patients, does not cause allergies and has minimal contraindications (acute phase of infectious diseases, pacemaker, neoplasms, epilepsy, pregnancy).
Massage and manual therapy have a beneficial effect on the flexibility of muscles and joints. They can be used both as prevention and treatment.
Gymnastics
During the rehabilitation period, a course of physical therapy (physical therapy) is conducted to restore mobility and prevent stagnation.This is prescribed by the attending physician, orthopedist or exercise therapy physician.
At first, the exercises are best done under the supervision of a doctor, who will explain how to perform this or that exercise correctly and why it is intended, how to breathe correctly and what not to do. Then the course can be repeated at home.
Various types of gentle fitness and a visit to the pool are beneficial for keeping joints healthy.
Surgical treatment
Surgical treatment is performed in cases where conservative treatment methods are exhausted and do not give positive results.
Joint puncture is used for diagnosis and treatment.A thin needle is inserted into the joint cavity, with the help of which pathological fluid is removed or medication is administered.
Arthroscopy provides minimal intervention.All manipulations are performed through small punctures using special endoscopic instruments.
It is performed to remove dead tissues, plastic ligaments, replace cartilage defects, remove chondromic bodies and sanitize joint with deforming arthrosis.
Periarticular osteotomy is performed in the lower limbs to restore support and improve mobility.During the operation, the bone adjacent to the affected joint is cut at a new angle and fused. Thanks to this, the load is redistributed, pain is reduced and the development of the pathological process is prevented.
Endoprosthesis replacement is performed to completely replace the joint while maintaining mobility.
Prevention
To maintain healthy joints or maintain a long-term state of remission, you should follow simple recommendations.
If you have chronic joint diseases, first of all strictly follow your doctor's recommendations and undergo periodic examinations if necessary.
Include a variety of foods in your diet to nourish both the joint itself and the whole body as a whole. These are fresh vegetables and fruits, nuts, minimally processed cereals (rice, buckwheat, millet, pearl barley), lean fresh meat, eggs, seafood and fresh fish, foods containing gelatin (jelly meat or flavored), wholemeal bread and hard pasta. wheat varieties.
At the same time, stay away from excessively salty, acidic and smoked foods, fatty meats and sweets. You can ask a nutritionist for help to learn how to create a balanced menu and form good eating habits.
If necessary, use vitamin and mineral complexes.Glucosamine, chondroitin, vitamins B and D, calcium and polyunsaturated fatty acids are good for joints.In order to get positive results, they should be carried out in courses for a long time. Consult your doctor for the best way to take your vitamins.
If you are overweight, you should understand that it puts a lot of stress on your joints and try to reduce it.
To maintain mobility, you should exercise and participate in exercises according to your physical capabilities.To maintain a good physical condition, they should be regular and not cause overload and discomfort. There are many types of exercises designed specifically for problem joints and spine. These are kinesis, Pilates, yoga, TRX, water aerobics and other types.
Use special sports and orthopedic devices - accessories that provide shock absorber and protective functions for arms, legs and body: knee pads, corsets, elbows, compression effect sportswear, shields and more.
Avoid heavy physical activity and stress.
The result
With the modern development of medicine, we have gained great opportunities for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of many diseases. Advances in modern treatment methods, pharmacology and surgery allow us to maintain the health of our joints for a long time, maintain mobility and maintain a high quality of life.