What is joint pain?
Joint pain is the most common condition affecting the musculoskeletal system. It targets the joints responsible for the mobility of bones in various parts of the body, such as the knees, ankles, hips, and wrists. Both men and women suffer equally, though 73% of women experience joint pain after the age of 35, while only 63% of men are affected, according to a study by the International Osteoarthritis Foundation (OAFI). This type of pain can affect a single joint (monoarticular) or multiple joints (polyarticular) and may occur inside or outside the joint, such as in a ligament, cartilage, tendon, or muscle (fibromyalgia, polymyalgia rheumatica, bursitis, tendonitis, etc.). Joint pain appears as sharp pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the affected joint, which limits movement and ultimately affects quality of life. It is important to note that, depending on the characteristics, the pain can lead to diseases such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, or gout, among others.
Warning signs
In general, the warning signs to watch for include:
- Inflammation, warmth, and redness in the joint.
- Skin rash, purple spots, or blotches.
- Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or new or severe cough.
- Abdominal pain.
- Fever, sweating, or chills.
- Redness or eye pain.
What is joint pain?
Joint pain is the most common condition affecting the musculoskeletal system. It attacks the joints responsible for the movement of bones in various parts of the body, such as the knees, ankles, hips, and wrists. Both men and women suffer equally, although 73% of women suffer joint pain after the age of 35, while, according to a study by the International Osteoarthritis Foundation (OAFI), only 63% of men suffer. This type of pain can affect a single joint (monoarticular) or several (polyarticular) and may occur inside or outside the joint itself, e.g., in a ligament, cartilage, tendon, or muscle (fibromyalgia, polymyalgia rheumatica, bursitis, tendinitis, etc.). Joint pain presents as stabs, sharp pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the affected joint, generating limitations in movement that ultimately affect quality of life. It is important to note that depending on the characteristics, the pain can lead to diseases such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, or gout, among others.
Warning signs
In general, the warning signs to watch for are:
- Inflammation, warmth, and redness in the joint.
- Skin rash, small dots, or purplish spots.
- Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or recent or severe cough.
- Abdominal pain.
- Fever, sweating, or chills.
- Redness or eye pain.
Among the most affected joints are the knees, which have the highest incidence (52%), followed by the spine (40%) and the hands (25%). The symptoms are usually progressive and persist over time. Therefore, both treatment and prevention are important.
Treatment for joint pain
Being chronic conditions, joint pain is generally treated in various ways:
- Medications. To reduce pain, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and acetaminophen, among others, can be administered.
- Physiotherapy. To recover and maintain mobility.
- Use of braces. Immobilizing the joint with a brace is sometimes useful temporarily to alleviate pain.
- Cold or heat application. Depending on the case, it can reduce pain.
- Surgery. Some joints can be replaced through surgery. Surgical intervention relieves pain and restores mobility.
How to prevent joint damage?
The most effective measures to protect the joints are:
- Healthy diet: consume foods rich in calcium (to strengthen bones), proteins (for muscles), and vitamins A, C, and D.
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid being overweight.
- Do not engage in unnecessary physical exertion.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Try to sleep at least 8 hours.
- Maintain joint health. Perform proper warm-ups before engaging in sports.
- Supplements. Some compounds, such as collagen, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin sulfate, may aid in joint recovery.
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