Joint disorders cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, affecting the quality of life of 19% of adults in the US. Yet, many victims of joint disorders try to tough out the symptoms on their own. But you don’t need to go through it alone; depending on your symptoms and specific type of disorder, you may have medical options to get you back to a lifestyle free of joint pain.
What Are the Most Common Types of Joint Disorders?
Joint disorders encompass a wide range of conditions, with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia ranking as some of the most common forms of joint pain.
Osteoarthritis affects over 33 million adults nationwide, occurring when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. Osteoarthritic patients typically feel pain in their weight-bearing joints, such as their knees, hips, and spine.
Rheumatoid Arthritis, an autoimmune disorder, causes the body’s immune system to mistakenly attack healthy joint tissue. Unlike osteoarthritis, which typically affects one side of the body, rheumatoid arthritis often presents in joints on both sides of the body.
Gout presents as sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and swelling in the joints, occurring when urate crystals accumulate in the joint and cause intense inflammation. The condition affects about 4% of American adults, with higher prevalence among men and individuals over 65.
Fibromyalgia causes widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties. Though fibromyalgia is not technically a joint disorder, it frequently causes joint pain that patients can mistake for arthritis. Unfortunately, fibromyalgia has no known cure.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Joint Disorders?
To diagnose your possible joint disorder, your healthcare provider will begin with a comprehensive medical history and physical examination, assessing the appearance of your painful joint, your range of motion, and areas of tenderness or swelling. They will also likely take tests to help identify inflammation, autoimmune activity, or elevated uric acid levels, which may include the following protocols:
- Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-CCP antibodies for rheumatoid arthritis
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) for inflammation
- Uric acid levels for gout
In more severe cases, your doctor may have you undergo X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds to get a detailed view of your joint structures, which can reveal any cartilage loss, bone changes, or fluid accumulation.
What Treatment Options Are Available for Joint Disorders?
The treatment approaches that your doctor may recommend will vary based on your specific condition and its severity. For instance, they may prescribe one or more of the following medications:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for rheumatoid arthritis
- Colchicine and uric acid-lowering medications for gout
- Corticosteroids for severe inflammation
They may prescribe a physical therapy program for you, with exercises to improve your joint flexibility, strengthen your supporting muscles, and enhance your body’s overall function.
In more severe cases, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following interventions for your pain:
- Joint injections with corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid
- Regenerative medicine approaches, like platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
- Radiofrequency ablation for chronic pain
- Surgical options, like joint replacement, arthroscopy, or synovectomy
What Lifestyle Modifications and Prevention Strategies Can Help With Joint Disorders?
Your journey to a life free of joint pain does not need to start and end at the doctor’s office; if you make certain lifestyle changes, you can help manage your own joint disorders and prevent their progression.
For instance, excess body weight can increase the stress on your load-bearing joints, but losing just 5–10% of your body weight can significantly reduce your joint pain. If you can, incorporate regular low-impact physical activities like swimming, cycling, or yoga into your routine to maintain joint flexibility and muscle strength.
Consider adding anti-inflammatory foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber to your diet to reduce inflammation; if you suffer from gout, limit purine-rich foods and alcohol.
If you decide to hit the gym or engage in rigorous physical activity, make sure to warm up properly, use appropriate protective equipment, and avoid overtraining to prevent any joint trauma.
Additionally, if your doctor recommends regular check-ups for your condition, make sure to schedule those ahead of time and attend them consistently. These appointments can help you detect and treat potential problems early and prevent progression down the road.
Find Specialized Care with Joint Disorders at Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine
If joint pain has interfered with your daily life, contact the joint disorder specialists at Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan. We combine traditional medical approaches with innovative therapies to address your unique needs.
Call our East Meadow office at 516.268.0070, or our Great Neck office at 516.595.0096, or fill out our online intake form to schedule an appointment today. Don’t let joint pain prevent you from living your life to the fullest; get in touch with us today, and let us help.