Joint Pain Specialist

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A joint is the point where bones connect to allow movement. To minimize friction between the bones, a flexible type of tissue called cartilage surrounds your joints. Meanwhile, tendons and ligaments support their movement.

Joint pain can result from damage to the joint itself or any of the structures that support it. Most joint pain stems from inflammation around the joint, inhibiting its range of motion.

While any joint in your body can develop pain and damage, movable joints are most likely to cause chronic pain and poor mobility.

Joint pain typically worsens over time, so you may not realize you have an injury at first. As symptoms progress, you may experience:

• Dull ache
• Sharp pain
• Poor range of motion
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Redness
• Warmth around the joint
• Low mobility
• Stiffness
• Weakness

Depending on the cause of your discomfort, joint pain symptoms may intensify at night or when you wake up in the morning.

Many conditions and injuries can cause chronic joint pain, including:

Osteoarthritis is a very common type of arthritis that develops when the flexible cartilage surrounding your joints deteriorates. Your bones may start to rub together, leading to pain, inflammation, and poor range of motion.

Many types of sports injuries, such as knee pain, tennis elbow, and golfer’s elbow, affect the tendons and ligaments that support the joint. These inflamed tissues can impact movement in the joint, further reducing its range of motion.

The bursae are the fluid-filled sacs that support movement and reduce friction in the joints. When they become inflamed, bursae can cause pain and stiffness around your joints.

Tendons, which connect muscles to bones, are vulnerable to wear-and-tear from overuse. Athletes and active individuals are especially susceptible to tendinitis. 

At 417 Sports Medicine & Orthopedics, Dr. Gifford performs a comprehensive physical evaluation of your area of pain to diagnose joint damage. In addition, he may order an onsite diagnostic ultrasound or X-ray to identify the cause of your joint pain.

Depending on the cause of your joint pain, your treatment plan may include:

Immobilization of the joint through bracing, splinting, or casting holds the structure in place while it heals to prevent further injury.

Hyaluronic acid is a viscous substance that your body already produces. Injecting hyaluronic acid around your joint can provide lubrication for better mobility.

To learn more about joint pain, call 417 Sports Medicine & Orthopedics or schedule an appointment online now.