Joint Pain

Exploring Causes, Associated Injuries, and Effective Treatment Solutions

Schedule your appointment today

Jump to

Conditions
Injury
Treatment
Our Providers

Joint pain is a common issue that can affect people at any stage of life. It often makes daily activities more difficult and reduces mobility. Whether it is caused by arthritis, an injury, or an underlying medical condition, joint pain can interfere with overall well-being. Learning about the causes, symptoms, and available treatment options is an important step toward finding effective relief.

What Is Joint Discomfort?

Stiffness, aching, or pain in any joint can cause discomfort. It may be mild and temporary or severe and persistent, affecting movement and overall quality of life. For some people, the discomfort comes and goes, while for others, it involves swelling, sharp pain, or difficulty with mobility.

Why Does Joint Pain Happen?

There is no single cause of joint pain, as it can develop due to lifestyle habits, environmental factors, or medical conditions that affect joint health. While some cases are temporary and improve with rest, others require long-term management to maintain mobility and comfort.

Overuse Or Repetitive Motion

Repeating the same movement over time, whether at work, during exercise, or in daily activities, can place excessive stress on the joints. This repetitive strain may lead to inflammation, stiffness, and discomfort, especially in the knees, shoulders, and wrists.

Poor Posture

Sitting, standing, or moving with improper alignment can create extra pressure on the joints. This additional strain can contribute to pain in the spine, hips, and knees, eventually leading to chronic discomfort and reduced mobility.

Joint Strain From Physical Activity

Regular movement is essential for joint health, but improper exercise techniques or high-impact activities can cause strain. Running on hard surfaces or lifting heavy weights without proper form may increase stress on the joints and raise the risk of injury.

Injury Or Trauma

Joint injuries, including fractures, sprains, and dislocations, can cause long-term discomfort even after they have healed. Scar tissue, cartilage damage, and joint instability may contribute to ongoing pain in the affected area.

Obesity

Carrying excess weight puts additional stress on the joints that bear the most weight, including the knees, hips, and lower back. Over time, this strain can speed up the breakdown of cartilage and contribute to chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis.

Aging And Wear-And-Tear

As people age, the cartilage that cushions their joints naturally wears down. This gradual process can lead to stiffness, discomfort, and reduced flexibility, which may eventually develop into degenerative joint conditions such as osteoarthritis.

Underlying Medical Conditions

Several health conditions can cause or worsen joint pain. Recognizing and managing these conditions is essential for finding long-term relief.

Chondromalacia Patella: Chondromalacia patella occurs when the cartilage under the kneecap softens, leading to pain and inflammation, particularly in individuals with knee misalignment.
Pseudogout: Pseudogout results from calcium crystal buildup in the joints, which causes sudden pain and swelling, often in the knees, wrists, or ankles.
Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that affects muscles and joints, often leading to widespread discomfort and fatigue.
Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism can contribute to joint pain and stiffness due to fluid retention and a slowed metabolism.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a connective tissue disorder that causes joint hypermobility, frequent dislocations, and chronic pain.
Gout: Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid buildup, which leads to painful swelling in the joints.
Ankylosing Spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine and causes stiffness and discomfort.
Lyme Disease: Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that, if left untreated, can lead to joint inflammation and chronic pain.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus): Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause widespread joint pain and inflammation in multiple areas of the body.

If joint discomfort is persistent or worsening, consulting a medical professional is the best way to determine the underlying cause and explore effective treatment options.

Conditions That Could Be Causing Your Joint Discomfort

At Compass Pain and Wellness, we understand that joint pain is more than just a minor inconvenience. Our experienced team specializes in diagnosing and treating a variety of conditions that contribute to joint discomfort.

Some of the conditions that we treat include:

Joint Arthritis

Joint arthritis causes cartilage wear, leading to joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited movement.

Arthritis Pain

Arthritis pain comes from joint inflammation and cartilage loss, causing stiffness, swelling, and limited movement.

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction causes lower back, buttock, or leg pain due to joint inflammation or misalignment.

Idiopathic Neuropathy

Idiopathic neuropathy is nerve damage without a known cause, causing numbness, tingling, pain, or muscle weakness.

Possible Injuries Linked To Joint Discomfort

Not all joint pain is caused by chronic conditions. Injuries can also lead to joint discomfort, especially when they involve repetitive strain or trauma. Some of the most common injuries linked to joint pain include:

Whiplash: Whiplash occurs when the neck is forcefully whipped forward and backward, often due to a car accident or sudden impact. This injury can cause stiffness, pain, and inflammation in the neck and shoulders, sometimes leading to chronic joint discomfort.
Back Injury: Injuries to the spine, such as herniated discs, muscle strains, or fractures, can cause radiating joint pain in the lower back, hips, and legs. Spinal misalignment and nerve compression from back injuries may also contribute to ongoing joint discomfort.
Neck Injury: Neck injuries, including strains, sprains, and fractures, can lead to long-term joint pain and stiffness. Damage to the cervical spine or surrounding soft tissues may also cause headaches, shoulder pain, and reduced range of motion.
Leg Injury: Fractures, ligament tears (such as ACL injuries), and muscle strains in the legs can affect knee and hip joints, leading to chronic pain and instability. Post-injury joint stiffness is common, particularly if rehabilitation is not completed properly.
Shoulder Injury: Rotator cuff tears, dislocations, and fractures can result in persistent joint discomfort and limited mobility. Injuries to the shoulder joint may also lead to arthritis over time, increasing the risk of chronic pain.
Hand Injuries: Sprains, fractures, and repetitive motion injuries (such as carpal tunnel syndrome) can cause inflammation and stiffness in the joints of the fingers, wrist, and hand. Over time, untreated hand injuries can contribute to joint degeneration and reduced function.

Joint discomfort following an injury should not be ignored, as early intervention can prevent long-term complications. If you are experiencing persistent pain after an injury, seeking expert care can help promote healing and restore joint function.

How To Diagnose The Condition

A proper diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment. Healthcare providers use a combination of medical history, physical examinations, and advanced tests to determine the cause of joint discomfort.

Medical History: A doctor will review personal and family medical history to identify potential risk factors, past injuries, or underlying health conditions contributing to joint pain. Questions may focus on symptom onset, severity, and triggers that worsen or relieve discomfort.
Physical Examination: A hands-on assessment helps evaluate joint function, mobility, and signs of inflammation. The doctor may check for swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or instability while assessing the joint’s range of motion and flexibility.
Imaging Tests: Diagnostic imaging provides a detailed view of joint structures to detect abnormalities. X-rays reveal bone damage and arthritis, MRIs assess soft tissue injuries, CT scans offer cross-sectional images, and ultrasounds help evaluate fluid buildup and inflammation.
Laboratory Tests: Blood tests can detect markers of inflammation, autoimmune disorders, or metabolic conditions contributing to joint pain. Common tests include rheumatoid factor (RF), C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), uric acid levels, and thyroid function tests.
Joint Fluid Analysis: A sample of joint fluid may be extracted through arthrocentesis to diagnose infections, gout, pseudogout, or autoimmune conditions. Analyzing the fluid helps determine the presence of bacteria, inflammatory markers, or crystal deposits.

A combination of these diagnostic methods allows healthcare providers to pinpoint the exact cause of joint discomfort and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Easy Ways To Manage Joint Pain At Home

Managing joint pain at home can be an effective way to reduce discomfort and improve mobility. While professional treatments provide targeted relief, simple, evidence-based strategies can help support joint health and enhance overall well-being. These non-invasive methods can be used alongside medical care to promote long-term symptom management.

RICE Method

The RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method is a first-line approach for managing joint pain caused by injury or inflammation. Resting the affected joint prevents further strain, applying ice helps reduce swelling, compression supports stability, and elevating the joint minimizes fluid buildup.

Epsom Salt Bath

Soaking in a warm bath with Epsom salt may help relax muscles and ease joint stiffness. The magnesium in Epsom salt is believed to support muscle and nerve function, potentially reducing discomfort. Warm water itself can also improve circulation and promote relaxation.

Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and swelling. Acetaminophen may also provide relief for mild joint discomfort. Always follow dosage guidelines and consult a healthcare provider if pain persists.

Low-Impact Exercises

Gentle movement helps maintain joint flexibility and reduce stiffness. Activities like walking, swimming, yoga, and stretching promote circulation and strengthen the muscles that support the joints. Avoid high-impact exercises that may worsen pain or strain the affected area.

Topical Treatments

Creams, gels, and patches containing menthol, capsaicin, or NSAIDs can provide localized pain relief. These treatments work by either cooling, warming, or reducing inflammation in the affected joint. They can be a convenient option for temporary symptom relief.

Weight Management And Hydration

Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips, helping to prevent further degeneration. Staying hydrated supports joint lubrication and overall cartilage health, which can minimize stiffness and discomfort.

While these home remedies can be beneficial, persistent or worsening joint pain should be evaluated by a medical professional. Combining at-home care with expert treatments can lead to more effective and lasting relief.

We Provide Evidence-Based Treatments for Joint Pain

Treatment for joint pain begins with a medical evaluation and may include physical therapy, massage, chiropractic care, and interventional pain procedures.

Living with joint pain can be frustrating, but effective treatment options are available. Whether caused by an injury, arthritis, or an underlying condition, professional care can provide lasting relief.

At Compass Pain and Wellness, our team is dedicated to diagnosing the root cause of joint pain and delivering personalized treatments to restore mobility and enhance overall well-being. If joint pain is affecting your daily life, schedule a consultation today to explore the best treatment options for your needs.

Treatments for Joint Discomfort at Compass Pain and Wellness may include the following:

For a full list of all treatments we provide, click here.

Medication Therapy

Medication therapy uses tailored prescriptions to reduce chronic pain and improve daily function and comfort.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture stimulates targeted points on the body to reduce pain, support healing, and restore energy balance.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care improves spinal alignment and joint function to reduce pain and enhance physical mobility.

Intracept

Intracept targets nerves inside the vertebrae to relieve chronic low back pain linked to vertebral endplate changes.

Joint Injections

Joint injections deliver medication into affected joints to relieve inflammation and improve range of motion.

Massage

Massage therapy eases muscle tension and improves circulation to support pain relief and overall well-being.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation help manage chronic pain by reducing stress and promoting emotional resilience.

Nerve Block

Nerve blocks interrupt pain signals from specific nerves to reduce chronic or procedure-related discomfort.

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

Peripheral nerve stimulation sends mild electrical signals to disrupt chronic pain from damaged peripheral nerves.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy improves strength, flexibility, and mobility while addressing pain from injury or chronic conditions.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation targets specific nerves to interrupt pain signals and provide lasting pain relief.

Sacroiliac Joint Fusion

SI joint fusion stabilizes the pelvis to relieve lower back or hip pain caused by joint dysfunction or instability.

Spinal Cord Stimulation

Spinal cord stimulation delivers electrical pulses to block nerve pain and reduce discomfort in the back or limbs.

Trigger Point Injections

Trigger point injections treat muscle knots by relaxing tense tissue and relieving localized pain or stiffness.

Our Providers

Meet our experienced and compassionate team of doctors who specialize in helping you manage your condition. With a patient-centered approach, our doctors work to understand your unique needs and provide compassionate, personalized care. Trust our providers to guide you on your journey to better health and improved well-being.