Joint pain is a common, yet often disruptive, problem. From swelling and stiffness to pain that keeps you up at night, certain symptoms often point to an underlying condition requiring medical attention. In fact, 53 million adults in the United States struggle with arthritis.
If your joint pain is severe, ongoing, or getting worse, be sure to see our pain management experts at Pain Management of Long Island in Medford, New York. In the meantime, here are five signs your joint pain may be more than just a temporary ache, and why it might be time to see a doctor.
Common causes of joint pain include:
Sometimes joint pain resolves on its own over time, but medical intervention is sometimes needed to get you back on your feet or enjoy your favorite activities once again.
Here are five signs your joint pain may require medical care:
You need regular exercise to maintain optimal physical and mental well-being. If joint pain or stiffness prevents you from exercising or enjoying your hobbies, it’s time to see a specialist at Pain Management of Long Island for an evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
Minor joint injuries sometimes heal on their own with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (the RICE method) or physical therapy. But worsening joint pain—especially that keeps you up at night—is a sign to seek medical attention.
Swelling, redness, and/or warmth in your joint signal a need for an immediate medical evaluation. These symptoms may indicate a serious or nonhealing injury, infection, trauma (such as a ligament injury or fracture), or a tumor.
If your joint doesn’t look like it used to and has an obvious deformity, have it evaluated by a specialist. A deformity can’t heal normally on its own may require medical care.
Without enough cartilage, bones in your joints may rub against each other as you move. This can cause the affected joints to make grinding, clicking, or snapping sounds, which can also be painful.
Your personalized joint pain treatment plan depends on its cause. You might take medications, receive joint injections, lose weight, alter your diet and exercise, take supplements, try physical therapy, or undergo surgery to fully restore the affected joint’s structure and function.
If you’re unsure if your joint pain needs medical attention, speak with a specialist at Pain Management of Long Island. Contact us today by phone or online to experience long-lasting joint pain relief.
