Causes of Body Joint Pain
There can be many causes of body joint pain. Probably the most common cause, however is arthritis. Arthritis literally means joint inflammation. Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the fingers, toes, ankles, knees, hips, and spine. Millions of Americans suffer from arthritis. Arthritis knows no age. Children, young adults, and older adults can all be affected by arthritis.
There are several different types or arthritis. There is degenerative arthritis, which is caused by using the joints in excess. There is autoimmune arthritis, which is caused by the immune system attacking the joints. In this case the immune system thinks that the joints are foreign, disease causing cells and attacks them in order to try to help the body get rid of them.
Some types of arthritis are caused by infections in the joint. Other types are caused by the body depositing various substances in the joint. The substances cause the joint to become inflamed. No matter what type of arthritis it is, it causes body joint pain.
There is relief for arthritis, however the type of relief given depends completely on the type and severity of the arthritis. In the case of degenerative types of arthritis glucocorticoid injections are used and the pain is managed with over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofin or acetaminophen.
Autoimmune types of arthritis are treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. They can also be treated with antirheumatic drugs. Antirheumatic drugs try to stop the cycle of joint damage and inflammation. Over-the-counter pain medications are also used to manage pain for this type of arthritis.
Arthritis that is caused by infection in the joint is treated with antibiotics and mild painkillers. Arthritis that is caused by deposition of substances in the joints is typically treated by draining the fluid off of the joint and then injecting a corticosteroid into the joint.
If you are experiencing joint pain be sure to consult a doctor. Your doctor can do tests in order to figure out the causes of body joint pain that you are experiencing. If your diagnosis is arthritis, the doctor will then be able to provide you with relief.
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