Arthralgia is joint pain caused by injury, overuse, arthritis, infections, or autoimmune diseases. Mild cases can be treated with rest and over-the-counter medications, while severe cases may require surgery and physical therapy. Diagnosis and treatment should be done by a doctor.
Arthralgia is a general medical term used to describe pain in one or more joints in the body. Joint problems can be caused by many different factors, including acute injuries, overexertion, arthritis, and infectious diseases. Regardless of the cause, a person with arthralgia is likely to experience stiffness, tenderness, and a limited range of motion. Many types of joint pain can be treated with rest and over-the-counter medications, although severe arthralgia may require surgery and follow-up physical therapy to relieve symptoms.
Injury is the most common cause of this condition. Joint pain can be immediate, such as with a direct blow or an embarrassing fall, or it can gradually worsen over time from repetitive overuse. Immediate damage to the cartilage, tendons, and other types of tissue in and around the joints leads to inflammation and swelling. The pain is especially intense if the joint is dislocated or the connective tissue is torn. Chronic joint problems, such as bursitis and tendonitis, result from excessive strain on the joints; such conditions are very common in athletes and manual workers.
Arthralgia can also be the result of an infection or an autoimmune disease. Hepatitis, measles, flu, and many other diseases can make joints ache and stiff. Rheumatoid arthritis, a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue, causes severe and persistent joint pain. A combination of genetics and general wear and tear can lead to osteoarthritis, which causes cartilage and bone tissue to deteriorate over time. Because arthritis and infections can affect multiple joints at once, pain can significantly limit a person’s ability to enjoy daily activities.
A person experiencing mild arthralgia from an injury can usually treat the condition at home. It is important to rest the joint for several days to allow the tissue to heal. Applying ice and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can help relieve pain and swelling and shorten healing time. Once a joint begins to feel better, an individual can engage in light stretching exercises to regain strength and flexibility.
An individual experiencing severe joint pain should visit their primary care physician to receive a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. A doctor can do x-rays and computed tomography scans to view the extent of tissue damage. Depending on the cause of the problems, your doctor may prescribe high-intensity pain relievers, antibiotics, or arthritis medications. A patient may need to wear a brace or sling to immobilize the affected joint until it heals. If there is significant tissue damage, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair or replace part of the joint.
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