Joint Pain
Arthralgia (from Greek arthro-, joint + -algos, pain) literally means joint pain. It may be a symptom of injury, infection, illnesses (in particular arthritis) or an allergic reaction to medication.
Identifying the Causes of Joint Pain
At Illinois Pain & Spine Institute, our diagnosis of the root cause of our patients joint pain begins with listening and moves to a thorough physical exam. Our emphasis when attempting to establish the cause of the joint pain, is on listening to our patients in an attempt to narrow the number of potential causes.
The causes of joint pain are varied and range, from a joints perspective, from degenerative and destructive processes such as osteoarthritis and sports injuries to inflammation of tissues surrounding the joints, such as bursitis.
Treating Joint Pain
Joint pain may be treated with:
- Site Specific Injections – The Illinois Pain & Spine Institute physician may inject an anti-inflammatory steroid agent to alleviate your joint pain at the source.
- Physical therapy – Strengthening and mobility exercises can alleviate joint pain by improving flexibility and muscle function.
- Medication – Medication may be appropriate in treating the source of your joint pain. Prescribed agents include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants which reduce nerve irritation.