4 Questions to Ask Joint Pain Treatment Specialist

While there are several different conditions that can cause pain in the joints, the most common one is arthritis. Arthritis develops in the joints of the body as the result of one of two different types of the condition – rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Each one will cause pain and stiffness in the affected joints, however, the way they affect the joint is vastly different. Either type of arthritis can affect any of the joints in the body, including the hands, wrists, hips, knees, and shoulders. The specialists at Global Neuro & Spine Institute will be able to provide you with an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your arthritis, whether it is osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis based on a physical exam and additional imaging tests that can be performed as needed. Osteoarthritis is the result of a breakdown in the cartilage that separates the bones in a joint and acts as a cushion and shock absorber. This can be due to injury or wear and tear over the course of our lives. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the body’s immune system attacking the joints, and specifically the membrane that lines them. There are many other potential causes of joint pain, such as lupus, gout, tendinitis, fibromyalgia, cancer, overuse, an infection, and many more.

While joint pain can be uncomfortable and incredibly painful at times, it rarely constitutes an emergency. Mild joint pain can typically be treated and managed at home, although you may want to consult with your doctor for chronic pain, long-term painkiller use can have other negative effects on your overall health. You should also check with your doctor when you have joint pain that is accompanied by additional symptoms such as redness, swelling, and feelings of warmth and tenderness of the joint when you touch it. In this case, make an appointment with your doctor to get it checked out at your earliest convenience. Joint pain can sometimes be serious and require immediate medical attention. If you have experienced an injury in the joint and are now experiencing a joint deformity, intense pain, an inability to use the joint, or sudden swelling in the joint, seek out immediate medical care through an urgent care center if your doctor isn’t available.

There are several different types of doctors who can treat pain, as well as some who specialize specifically in joint pain. Depending on the cause of your pain and your treatment plan, you may encounter multiple different joint pain experts throughout the course of your diagnosis and treatment. Rheumatologists specialize in arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, focusing on rheumatic diseases that can impact the joints, muscles, and bones. Orthopedic specialists and surgeons specialize in any issues that affect any part of the musculoskeletal system, of which the joints are a part. Orthopedic specialists often choose to focus their practice on a specific area of the body, such as the hips, shoulders, or knees. Rehabilitation physicians and physiatrists also diagnose and treat patients with pain that is related to bones, muscles, and nerves, which can include pain in the joints. When it comes to treatment, patients may be sent to a physical therapist or occupational therapist who uses treatments such as stretching, ice, massage, and exercise to strengthen the area, increase mobility and range of motion, and help to ease the pain. At Global Neuro & Spine Institute we have a team of triple board-certified pain specialists on site who can help you with the medical attention you need for your joint pain.

When our joints hurt, it can be hard to know what the source of the pain is, which can determine how we should treat the pain. Our body’s joints are made up of cartilage, tendons, and bones, although injuries or pain in a muscle can extend into the joint even if the muscle itself doesn’t cross over the joint. With muscle pain, the area experiences considerable soreness and pain, with muscle spasms causing the muscle to flex and relax on its own. Exercise and movement can improve muscle pain, as it helps the lactic acid and toxins that build up in sore muscles to be released. The joint pain will get worse with movement and rest needs to be taken to help the area feel better. Swelling is a common symptom of joint pain, as well as the area appearing red and feeling warm when touched. With joint pain, the muscles surrounding the joint can hurt as well. If you are unsure if your pain is joint or muscle pain, the specialists at Global Neuro & Spine Institute can provide a proper diagnosis as well advise you on the best course of treatment. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from all across the Sunshine State, in Orlando FL, Conway FL, Edgewood FL, Jensen Beach FL, Ocean Breeze FL, Rio FL, Malabar Palm Bay FL, Melbourne FL, Atlantis FL, Palm Springs FL, Boynton Beach FL, Fort Pierce FL, White City FL, St Lucie FL, Plantation FL, Pine Island Ridge FL, Lauderhill FL, Winter Park FL, Bertha FL, Alafaya FL and surrounding areas.