Recognizing the Symptoms and Finding Relief.
Jessica was always in the habit of being active during her daily routine of running in the mornings and hiking on the weekends. However, one day she experienced a sharp pain in her knee and could barely even walk. So, after several days of discomfort, she realised it was not just a temporary problem. Jessica commenced to learn about joint pain suggesting the solutions to her discomfort.
What Is Joint Pain?
Joint pain can occur in any body part where two bones meet, such as knees, hips, and wrists. It can be caused by injuries, arthritis, infections, or degenerative conditions and thus, lead to inflammation and discomfort. Finding out the level of the problem is a vital step towards the possibility of the treatment.
Common Symptoms of Joint Pain
- Swelling and Inflammation: The affected joints may look swollen or warm when touched.
- Stiffness: It is hard to move the joint, especially after a rest period of inactivity, which is a common symptom of it.
- Limited Range of Motion: The pain may be restricting the movement of the joint and consequently interfering with daily activities.
- Crepitus: A grating sensation or sound may not infrequently ensue when the joint moves.
Causes of Joint Pain
There are several factors responsible for joint pain, for example:
- Arthritis: The inflammation of the joints is the main cause of pain and stiffness.
- Injuries: The joint pain can get to the acute stage after sports injuries or accidents due to collisions to the joints.
- Overuse: Any of these types of activities, either repetitive movements or long ones put the joints under strain.
- Infections: Joint infections can cause sudden and severe pain.
- Age: Joint pain is more common in older adults due to wear and tear over time.
Effective Strategies for Joint Pain Relief
- Gentle Exercises and Stretches: Incorporating low-impact exercises can help maintain joint function and reduce stiffness. Here are a couple of exercises to consider: Chair Stand: Sit on the edge of a sturdy chair with your feet flat on the floor. Slowly stand up, using your legs, and then sit back down. Repeat 10 times to strengthen your legs and support your joints. Ankle Pumps: Sit or lie down with your legs extended. Flex and point your toes to improve circulation and reduce stiffness. Perform this for 1-2 minutes.
- Stretching for Flexibility: Regular stretching can help alleviate tension in your joints and improve overall flexibility: Quadriceps Stretch: Stand and grab your ankle, pulling it towards your buttocks. Hold for 30 seconds and switch legs. Hamstring Stretch: Sit with one leg extended and the other bent. Reach towards your toes on the extended leg, holding for 30 seconds. Switch legs.
- Proper Sleeping Positions: Maintaining proper alignment while sleeping can reduce joint pain: When sleeping on your side, place a pillow between your knees to keep the hips aligned. If you prefer sleeping on your back, place a pillow under your knees to maintain a neutral spine position.
- Seek Professional Help: If joint pain persists despite home remedies, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional. At LeanCare Health, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive orthopaedic care. Our team of specialists can help diagnose the underlying causes of your joint pain and recommend tailored treatment options.
Don’t Suffer in Silence
Placing a pillow under your knees when you sleep on your back will help you keep your back in a neutral position and avoid any strain. Joint pain should not keep you from enjoying life. Understanding its causes and seeking appropriate remedies can significantly improve your quality of life. If you are experiencing persistent joint pain, reach out to us at LeanCare Health here https://leancarehealth.com/contact-us/ for expert evaluation and care. You can also check LeanCare Health socials for more insights here https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558545751469 Let us help you regain your mobility and enhance your well-being today!