Joints are the regions of your body where your bones touch each other. The joints in your skeleton allow the bones in your skeleton to move. 

When you have joint pain, you’re experiencing discomfort, pains, and soreness in any of your body’s joints. Joint pain is a common source of concern. It is not usually necessary to go to the hospital for this.

Joint pain can occur as a result of an illness or an injury in some cases. Arthritis is another prevalent source of joint discomfort. However, it is possible that it is caused by other conditions or circumstances.

In this article, Dr Ratnav Ratan, one of the Best Pediatric Orthopedic surgeons in Delhi shares his views on “What Do You Need to Know About Joint Pain?”

Dr Ratnav Ratan hailed from Delhi has more than 13 years of hands-on experience in pediatric orthopaedics, sports medicine, and limb reconstruction surgeries. 

Currently, he is associated with W Pratiksha Hospital and Miracles Mediclinic Hospital, and Aryan Hospital in Gurgaon as a consultant in pediatric orthopaedics and sports injuries.

Why do joints hurt?

Arthritis is a prevalent cause of joint pain. Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The American College of Rheumatology says OA is most frequent in people over 40. It’s slow-moving and affects joints like the:

• wrists
• hands
• hips
• Knees

OA causes joint discomfort by destroying the cartilage that cushions and shock absorb the joints.

RA is the second type. The Arthritis Foundation estimates 1.5 million Americans have RA. It affects women more than males.

It can distort and weaken joints. The immune system targets the joint membrane, causing discomfort, inflammation, and fluid buildup. There are other factors at play.

What exactly are the signs and symptoms of joint pain?

 In some instances, your joint pain will necessitate a visit to the doctor. In the event that you do not know what is causing your joint pain and are suffering other inexplicable symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor

 You should also visit a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• bloated, red, sensitive, or heated to the touch in the area surrounding a joint
• If the discomfort lasts for three days or more, and you have a fever but no other symptoms of the flu, you are considered to be sick.

If any of the following situations occur, go to the nearest emergency room:

•  You’ve suffered a life-threatening injury.
• The joint appears to be misaligned.
• The swelling of the joint develops all of a sudden.
• The joint has been rendered absolutely immobile.
• You are suffering from acute joint discomfort.

What is the procedure for diagnosing joint pain?

Dr Ratnav Ratan one of the top orthopaedic surgeons from Delhi says that A physical examination will almost certainly be performed by your doctor. They’ll also ask you a number of questions concerning the joint pain that you’re experiencing. This may assist in narrowing down the list of possible causes.

 It may be necessary to obtain an X-ray of the joint in order to diagnose arthritis-related joint deterioration. 

A blood test to screen for specific autoimmune disorders may be ordered by your doctor if they feel there is another underlying cause. It is possible that they will require a sedimentation rate test to determine the extent of inflammation in the body, as well as a full blood count.

What is the best way to manage joint pain?

Home therapy

Both osteoarthritis(OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are considered chronic illnesses by doctors.

 A medication for arthritis that entirely eliminates joint pain and prevents it from returning does not exist at the time of this writing. There are, however, techniques to deal with the discomfort:

• Topical pain relievers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be beneficial in reducing discomfort, swelling, and inflammation in the affected area, respectively.
• Maintain a physical activity level and adhere to a fitness program that emphasizes moderate exercise.
•  Exercise should be preceded by stretching to ensure that your joints have a full range of motion.
•  Maintain healthy body weight within a reasonable range. This will reduce the amount of stress placed on the joints.
•  You can try a nonprescription anti-inflammatory medication, getting a massage, taking a warm bath, stretching periodically, and getting enough rest to see whether your discomfort is not caused by arthritis.

 Medical care

 Your therapy options will be determined by the source of your discomfort. 

It may be necessary for your doctor to pull out any fluid that has accumulated in the joint area in order to test for infection or ulcer or to rule out any other possible reasons for your joint pain. 

They may also prescribe joint replacement surgery in order to restore function to the joint.

Other non-surgical treatment options may include making lifestyle changes or taking drugs that may be able to put your RA into remission. In the case of RA, your doctor will begin by treating the inflammation that has developed. 

The goal of medical treatment once you have reached the state of remission is to maintain tight control over your condition in order to avoid flare-ups of the disease, notes Dr Ratnav Ratan, one of the premium orthopedists from Delhi.