Many of the patients who come to Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine are seeking help with chronic joint pain. Our doctors are physiatrists who specialize in alleviating pain and restoring function so we are experts when it comes to relieving chronic joint pain. If you are suffering from this problem, contact us soon so we can help you find relief and increased mobility.
Where does it hurt?
Joint pain can be mild or excruciating and can occur anywhere in the body, though it is most commonly experienced in the spine, hips, knees, feet, and hands. Just about any pain sensation is possible in the joints — aching, burning, throbbing, “grating.” While stiffness and restricted range of motion are frequently symptoms associated with chronic joint pain and mild activity may relieve the condition, too much activity can result in increased pain.
What makes chronic joint pain more likely?
Though some cases of chronic joint pain are idiopathic (of unknown origin), most can be traced to or worsened by:
- Previous injuries (e.g. fractures, sprains) in the area
- Excessive or repetitive use of the joint
- Osteoarthritis due to aging (cartilage deterioration due to wear and tear)
- Rheumatoid arthritis, gout, bursitis, tendonitis, viral infections
- Depression, anxiety, tension, or stress
- Poor physical condition, poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity
Other Factors that Also Affect Chronic Joint Pain
A fascinating study now chronicled in the National Library of Medicine points to other powerful demographic, genetic, sociological, and lifestyle factors that affect the way chronic pain is experienced by different individuals, including:
- Gender — women are more prone to joint pain than men, due to hormonal differences and greater elasticity of the joints that enable them to stretch beyond normal limits
- Ethnicity and cultural background (especially attitudes & beliefs about pain)
- Age and its associated multi-morbidity
- Employment status and occupational factors, since some occupations result in far more joint, bone, and muscles injuries than others (e.g. construction, military service)
- Smoking and alcohol consumption negatively impact circulation & general health
- Number and seriousness of surgical/medical interventions
- Exposure to sunshine and vitamin D
- Mental health
- Sleep disorders
- Genetic background
At Long Island Spine, where we take a holistic approach to healthcare, we are acutely aware of these less obvious factors that influence chronic joint pain. We see the effects of personal and medical history, familial background, work history, socioeconomic status, and history of abuse on chronic pain on a daily basis. Fortunately, we are well-prepared to treat chronic joint pain whatever its causes.
Cold Temperatures and Joint Pain
Though many patients report that bad weather makes their joint pain worse, such reports are often viewed as being tied to old wives’ tales. Nonetheless, there is a scientific reason that cold weather exacerbates joint pain. Just as cold makes food and water stiffen, it causes the fluid that lubricates joints to thicken, resulting in increased joint pain.
Contact Our Experience Joint Pain Professionals for Quick Relief
Our physiatrists are well-trained and highly skilled and reducing/eliminating joint pain is their specialty. If you are suffering from pain and limited mobility in your fingers, wrists, back, hips, knees, or other joints, call us for an appointment. We have cutting-edge diagnostic equipment and a broad range of both traditional and complementary treatment options to get you comfortable and moving in the shortest possible time. Contact us now so we can begin helping you heal.