Joint Pain Specialist

What causes joint pain?

Many degenerative conditions, autoimmune diseases, and injuries can cause joint pain. Some of the most common causes include:

Osteoarthritis

Also called wear-and-tear arthritis, this degenerative condition causes the cartilage on the outside of the joints to break down. As friction between bones increases, your joints become stiff, painful, and inflamed.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the lining of the joints. Inflammation of this lining can lead to pain and stiffness, especially in the small joints of the hands, wrists, feet, and ankles.

Gout

Gout is a crystalline disease that usually affects a single joint. Uric acid builds up in the affected joint in the form of crystals, causing sudden, intense pain and swelling. While gout often affects the knee joints, it’s most commonly found in the joint at the base of the big toe.

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis affects individuals with the inflammatory skin condition psoriasis. In addition to red, scaly patches of skin, the autoimmune disease can cause joint pain and swelling.

Bursitis

The bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints. Injury and overuse can inflame the bursae, leading to chronic joint pain.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder that leads to widespread musculoskeletal pain and often causes tender, painful joints.

How is joint pain diagnosed?

Diagnosing joint pain can be a complex process. It requires a head-to-toe physical exam, blood work, and imaging scans, like X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, and MRIs. These tests help the Rheumatology Associates team determine the precise site of your joint pain for an accurate diagnosis.

How is joint pain treated?

Rheumatology Associates offers a complete range of joint pain treatments, including anti-inflammatory injections. Joint injections can relieve pain and swelling around your joints to promote healing. The team also offers a wide selection of medications for joint pain:

• Krystexxa® for gout
• Simponi Aria® Rituxan
• Orencia®
• Actemra®
• Remicade®

Along with medication, the team can recommend various lifestyle changes to ease pressure on your joints. Losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise can help preserve your joint health and prevent complications.

Call Rheumatology Associates today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about diagnosing and treating joint pain.