The 5 Most Common Causes of Joint Pain

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Every human body has an average of 300 working joints of different kinds (sometimes more, sometimes less, depending on age and how the joints are defined). They all connect tissues and facilitate mobility, even down to your pinky toe! Because many of them bend and assist with your range of motion, they are especially vulnerable to injury and inflammation. At Del Valle Physical Therapy & Hand Therapy, our Las Cruces physical therapists can help you overcome joint pain, including these 5 most common causes:

1. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the top cause of joint pain. It develops gradually with normal daily wear and tear on the cushioning cartilage between your bones. This cartilage naturally deteriorates with age, and it becomes more common after age 45. Osteoarthritis joint pain and stiffness can develop earlier for people who have overuse injuries, however.

2. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that attacks the joint lining and other tissues in the body. It can cause inflammation, joint pain, and even joint deformation, particularly in the wrist and finger joints. Our physical therapists in Las Cruces, NM, can support patients with RA in managing their joint pain.

3. Gout

Gout is another kind of inflammatory arthritis that triggers joint pain and swelling, especially in the big toe joint. It can also affect the ankles, feet, knees, elbows, hands, and wrists. Gout is caused by uric acid buildup in the body, which can be alleviated by nutritional adjustments.

4. Bursitis

Bursitis is characterized by pain and inflammation from joint overuse injuries that affect the cushioning bursae that protect joints, muscles, tendons, and even the skin. Bursitis commonly afflicts the hips, knees, shoulders, and elbows.

5. Tendinitis

Tendons are strong, flexible bands of tissue that join your bones and muscles. Traumatic and overuse injuries can cause pain and inflammation, which we call tendinitis.

Work with the Physical Therapists Las Cruces, NM Residents Trust for Joint Pain Relief

Although these are the most common causes of joint pain, they aren’t the only ones. Traumatic injuries, sprains, fractures, infections, viruses, and fevers can all affect the joints. Our team of physical therapists at Del Valle Physical Therapy & Hand Therapy can create personalized recovery plans that address the root causes of your joint pain, so you move more comfortably. Schedule an appointment today.

Is It General Joint Pain or Chronic Arthritis? How to Tell the Difference

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When the experiences of getting older are by no means universal, it’s not always obvious what exactly is happening within your body. General joint pain and arthritis may present with similar symptoms, including swelling and limited mobility. Here, we’ll look at how to tell the difference between the two, and why a physical therapist in Las Cruces, NM may be able to help with both disorders.

The Main Differences Between Joint Pain and Arthritis

Joint pain and arthritis differ in a few key ways:

  • Duration: This is the biggest difference between the two: joint pain is temporary while chronic arthritis may feel better certain days, but doesn’t go away over time.
  • Cause: Joint pain’s cause can usually be traced back to a specific event, like an awkward fall. Chronic arthritis may seem to appear out of nowhere.
  • Treatments: Joint pain is treated with temporary measures, like rest and ice. Arthritis can only be managed, usually with a combination of medications, surgeries, and injections.

Why Visit a Physical Therapist

A physical therapist can help patients holistically address pain, whether it’s from general joint damage or arthritis in Las Cruces, NM. When other practitioners may want to treat the problem with little more than a band-aid, a physical therapist looks for long-term solutions that can strengthen your joints and make them more resilient against the pain. While they may not be able to prevent more drastic solutions, such as surgeries or injections, they can ultimately give you more control over your body (and your overall health).

If you’re interested in what a physical therapist can do to help you live pain-free, contact Del Valle Physical Therapy & Hand Therapy today for more information about our services!