Use our convenient online scheduler to book an appointment now.
Joint Pain Q & A
- What is joint pain?
- What causes joint pain?
- What happens during a joint pain evaluation?
- What does joint pain treatment look like?
Joints form the points in your body where two or more bones meet. Though some joints are fixed joints (immovable), most joints have varying degrees of mobility, and play a significant role in your body’s function, allowing you to walk, carry things, and carry on your everyday life.
Ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and muscles all play a significant role in the mobility and flexibility of your joints. Any injury or damage to the components that make up your joints may result in joint pain.
Joint pain may occur in any joint in your body, including your ankles, knees, hips, back, shoulders, elbows, or wrists. Sacroiliac joint pain (or SI joint pain) is another common affliction, which occurs at the base of the spine
There are many injuries and conditions that lead to joint pain. Common causes of joint pain include:
- Arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Strains and sprains
- Fractures
- Dislocations
- Bursitis
- Infection
Your joint pain may develop after an acute injury, such as a bad fall that leads to an ankle sprain. It could also occur from the general wear-and-tear that occurs to the cartilage that cushions your joints, leading to osteoarthritis.
When you visit Town Center Orthopaedics with concerns about joint pain, you can expect a comprehensive exam focused on finding the root cause of your pain and the best treatment.
During the exam, your provider asks detailed questions about your joint pain, including the types of pain you experience, circumstances that led to your pain, and the activities that worsen or alleviate your pain.
Your provider then conducts a thorough clinical exam, paying close attention to the joint causing problems, assessing structure and function. To confirm or rule out a suspected cause of joint pain, your provider may request imaging tests, such as an in-office X-ray.
Your provider at Town Center Orthopaedics develops individualized treatment plans for joint pain based on the joint affected, severity of symptoms, underlying cause, overall health, and how your pain affects your daily activities.
When possible, the team at Town Center Orthopaedics takes a conservative approach to care, and your pain management treatment plan may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Activity modification
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Bracing or splinting
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Spine injections
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
- Stem cell therapy
- Prolotherapy
When conservative measures fail to alleviate your joint pain, the team at Town Center Orthopaedics may suggest surgical intervention. The type of surgery you need depends on the cause of your joint pain.
Surgical options for your joint pain may include arthroscopy to evaluate and repair damaged tissue, or joint replacement surgery to replace damaged joint tissue with a prosthetic device. Our experienced orthopaedic surgeons also perform joint reconstruction surgery when needed to repair damaged joints and alleviate your pain.
Whatever option ends up being best for you, the orthopedists and physical therapists at Town Center Orthopedics will work with you to ensure you regain maximum ability.
Joint pain is common and treatable. For expert care, call Town Center Orthopaedics any time at (571) 346-2411, or book an appointment online today.
Join our Mailing List
TCO provides patients with orthopedic problems the trusted resources and patient-centered advice they need to “Feel Better. Move Better. Be Better.”
© 2024 Town Center Orthopaedics | All Rights Reserved