Everyone experiences the occasional aches and pains in their joints. Such conditions rarely require urgent medical attention. In most instances, self-care measures such as application of an ice pack or a warm shower and some rest may be all that is required to relieve the joint pain. However, there are certain instances where a delay in seeking treatment may cause permanent joint damage.
When experiencing acute joint pain:
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have the following symptoms in addition to your pain:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Warmth around the joint
You must see your doctor immediately if:
- The joint pain is caused by a traumatic injury
- You notice joint deformity
- The pain is severe
- There is sudden swelling around the joint
When experiencing chronic joint pain:
Chronic joint pain is usually a symptom of arthritis. There are several types of arthritis and some types can cause permanent damage to your joint. If you have several episodes of joint pain in a month or if your pain and stiffness is interfering with your routine activities, consulting your doctor may help limit your condition and preserve joint mobility.
Causes for joint pain could range from minor sprains and strains to more serious causes such as bone cancer or leukemia. The important thing to keep in mind is the sooner the underlying cause of your joint pain is identified and treated, the better are your chances of a favorable outcome.
There are several advanced diagnostic procedures that allow your doctor to examine your joint in minute detail and recommend specific treatments that would be best suited to resolve your joint condition. Innovative treatment options include stem cell therapy and platelet rich plasma injections that harness your own body’s natural healing ability as well as minimally invasive procedures that can stabilize your joint and relieve pain.
