People aspire to live an active life full of energy which is probable with good health. A healthy body ensures good mental health inducing positivity in you as with energy all your activities are performed smoothly. A little pain can alter the way of living specifically joint pain which arise discomfort and make you abandon some of your most liked doings.
Ignorance of joint pain can gradually breach your ability to conceive basic tasks. Therefore, be vigilant to get the treatment right away from an orthopedic surgeon. The name of Dr MA Wajid is prominent in this aspect as he is a vastly experienced professional in handling joint pain. He is the best orthopedic surgeon in Lahore to consult for joint and bone problems. His modern approach to diagnosis catches an issue from the roots and lets him figure out the best-fitted treatment plan for his patients comprising non-surgical and surgical options.
How we can describe a joint?
The end of the two bones connects to form a joint which ensures mobility. Further, joint movement is assisted by soft tissues connected with bones such as ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Cartilage covers the bone ends to prevent friction and bone-to-bone rubbing. The types of joints in the human body include the ball and socket joint, hinge joint, synovial joint, saddle joint, plane joint, ellipsoidal joint, cartilaginous joint, pivot joint, and fibrous joint.
Likelihood of joint pain
However joint pain can affect any person but its risk increases if you had a previous injury. People who overuse joints or indulge in activities with repeated actions are also likely to develop joint pain. Mental health also affects the joints, people suffering from depression, mental stress, and anxiety are more liable to poor joint health leading to pain. Moreover, diseases like arthritis distress joint strength making them weak and hence prone to pain. According to an orthopedic surgeon overweight body put stress on the hip and knee joints driving towards wear and tear that instigates pain. A major factor in joint pain is age. The older we grow weaker the bones get. Bone degeneration and regeneration is a natural phenomenon. After a certain age, the process of regeneration slows down so the bones and joints become weak and are more susceptible to wear and tear.
Cause of joint pain
Certain reasons are stick to joint pain which include:
- An injury
An injury to the joint may occur due to a hit, blow, or contact with a hard surface which may break a bone, dislocate the joint or cause a sprain. . Excessive use of joints can also cause injury, inducing pain that needs medical attention instantly.
- Infection
High fever due to an infection in the body can also cause joint pain e.g. hepatitis C virus may arise certain complications that become a cause of joint pain.
- Bursitis
Bursae are small fluid-filled sacks that prevent friction between muscles and bones. With the overuse of joints, these sacs may irritate and become inflamed causing a condition known as bursitis which is also one of the causes of joint pain.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
It is an auto-immune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the joints causing swelling, pain, and inflammation. This chronic disease specifically happens to fingers and wrists.
- Osteoarthritis
It’s a joint issue that develops gradually as a person gets old. The cartilage covering of bones slowly wears away with time making joints stiff and inducing pain. It usually occurs in the middle age people.
- Gout
The deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints brings about this condition. The high uric acid level in the blood leads to gout and usually affects the big toe. Swelling, pain, burning sensation, and inflammation are some of its major symptoms.
- Tendinitis
Inflammation of tendons that connect muscles to the bones is called tendonitis. Heels, shoulders, and elbows are more prone to this condition due to overuse.
Proper diagnosis is essential for a cure
An orthopedic surgeon in Lahore examine the matter physically searching for visible signs such as wounds, bruises, swelling, tenderness, warmth and redness around the affected joint. He determines the range of motion through assertive and non-assertive joint motion. Patients are questioned about the injury and medical history is explored by discussion. To rule out other possible reasons imaging or laboratory tests may be recommended for internal evaluation. Imaging tests include X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs which clearly show the issue through visuals. Laboratory tests are ordered to see if the cause of joint pain is due to some agents in the blood. This may be gout due to high blood uric acid levels, an infection, or an autoimmune disorder.
Ways to ward off joint pain
A complete cure is not possible for joint pain but it can be managed to provide relief through certain treatment plans as described by an orthopedic surgeon. Mild concerns are treatable through medications and therapies but severe ones call for surgical improvement. Here are mentioned some treatments that an orthopedic surgeon in Lahore might suggest to manage symptoms.
- Self-care includes taking a warm bath or applying hot or cold compresses to relieve inflammation and pain. Guidance of an orthopedic surgeon should be sought in this regard to understand what circumstances a hot or cold pad should be applied as applying a hot pad on a bleeding wound is not appropriate, icing works best.
- The weak joint also aches so strengthening exercises must be practiced as guided by a physical therapist to regain lost functionality. Walking, swimming, jogging, or aerobics are the best physical activities to stay active and improve joint health. Avoid strong workouts and sports activities that put stress on joints. Stretching exercises are the finest to achieve flexibility. Do not forget to consult an orthopedic surgeon or doctor in this regard, as he knows how much pressure your affected joint can bear. He works in collaboration with a physical therapist to design a rehabilitation program.
- Joints also stress out because of the obese body so maintain a healthy weight to lessen pressure on the joints. Consult a doctor to get on a weight loss program.
- Oral medicines such as painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs also help to ease the pain. Self-medication is hazardous as some medicines may have adverse effects on your kidneys, liver, or stomach. Therefore be vigilant to consult an orthopedic surgeon for an appropriate prescription.
- Topical ointments can be massaged over the skin to manage pain. Many gels and creams are available in the market. Your doctor may also prescribe a few to use in an emergency.
- An orthopedic surgeon in Lahore also recommends a brace, orthotic device, or a cane to help assist in the easy movement of joints. Such devices provide support to the affected joint.
- For instant relief, steroids may be inoculated directly into the affected joint to ease pain and swelling.
- Surgery is kept as a last resort when all other treatment strategies are unsuccessful. Surgical options are jolted down depending on the nature of the issue. The major surgical procedure includes:
- Arthroscopy
It is a minimally invasive procedure conceived through several small cuts made over the affected joint. A pencil-like device with a camera and light at the top is inserted into the joint through the cut to view the internal condition. By looking over live video on the computer screen nearby an orthopedic surgeon performs the surgery to make repairs.
Under this procedure, the damaged joint is removed and an artificial joint is implanted in its place that imitates the function of a natural joint. It is a successful procedure that has improved the lives of many patients globally. Most commonly, hip, knee, or shoulder replacement surgeries are performed. However, any joint in the body can be replaced to relieve pain.
Is polyarthralgia a joint issue?
It’s a condition when a patient suffers from pain in several joints. Many causes stick to this condition and it mostly affects old people specifically women. Its symptoms include tenderness, lost range of motion, tingling sensation in the joints, and pain. Inflammation doesn’t occur but it is quite similar to polyarthritis. Switching to a healthy lifestyle with strengthening exercises and a good diet helps to manage its symptoms. Moreover, home remedies as suggested by orthopedists and their prescribed medicines relieve pain.
Essential Supplements to ward off joint pain
Add certain supplements to your diet plan to ward off joint pain.
Vitamin C
Its strong antioxidant property assists to lessen inflammation and keeps you protected from cold in winter. It plays a vital part in collagen synthesis which is a necessary protein for bone development. Moreover, it combats infections preventing inflammation so well suited for patients with an unbalanced immune system.
Vitamin D
Joint ache is also an indication of vitamin D deficiency in the body. It holds anti-inflammatory properties that assist in relieving joint pain. The vitamin helps to absorb calcium into the bones without which the process slows down leading to certain ailments such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fractures. Bones become soft and lose strength if you are deficient in vitamin D.
Calcium
A maximum percentage of our bone is made of calcium so its deficiency weakens bones causing easy fractures. To prevent a painful joint disease such as osteoarthritis calcium deficiency must be fulfilled through diet. Dairy foodstuffs for example milk, cheese, and yogurt are abundant in calcium.
Copper
Legumes, dark leafy green vegetables, potatoes, and organ meats are rich in copper. Its anti-inflammatory nature cannot be overlooked. It is an effective supplement to reduce joint pain, and risks of heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
Magnesium
Magnesium can be consumed from almonds, cashews, and peanuts. It strengthens bones and develops a strong nervous system. If you want to keep your muscles strong and bone cartilage healthy, add magnesium into your diet which you can get from potatoes and spinach as well. You will feel relief from arthritis pain with its use.
Folate
Folate is essential to prevent the development of cancer that may occur due to changes in the DNA. Leafy vegetables, fruits, and whole grains are good sources of folate. It relieves inflammation and joint pain and ensures the healthy growth of cells.
What symptoms a joint pain can develop?
Joint pain is a common issue which is mild in a few and severe in others. It also may come after intervals. Hips, hands, feet, spine, and knees are more liable to joint pain. Joint stiffness feels much in the morning but gradually gets away as you move for certain activities. An orthopedic surgeon in Lahore identifies major symptoms of joint pain such as:
- Swelling around the affected joint,
- numbness in the area
- stiffness
- clicking, snapping or grinding sound while joint motion
- pain due to motion
- lost range of motion
- redness and warmth around the joint
Pay attention
Right away get medical assistance if the pain doesn’t go away on its own because it points towards some serious issue. A proper diagnosis by an orthopedic surgeon could help manage symptoms and improve quality of life through a rehabilitation program. The treatment plan not only focuses on pain management but also works on improving joint function so you can return to routine activities soon.