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Joint Pain

Joint pain is a very common symptom, often felt in the knees, hips, shoulders, spine, hands, or feet. Along with pain, stiffness and a burning or throbbing sensation are common, and symptoms often rise and fall with activity. Many treatments can reduce or eliminate joint pain, and an accurate diagnosis guides which one is right.

What Is Joint Pain?

Joints are where two bones meet. They are lined with smooth cartilage, lubricated by joint fluid, and held together by ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Pain can come from any of these structures when they are worn, injured, or inflamed.
 
Arthritis and overuse are the most common risk factors, and the risk increases with age. Some conditions, such as gout or infection, can also cause joint pain. For specific joints, see knee pain, hip pain, and osteoarthritis.

Treatments For Joint Pain

Depending on the severity of the pain, many non-surgical options exist. Surgery is needed only when a joint is badly damaged.

Non-surgical care

  • Physical therapy. Strength and flexibility to support the joint.
  • Medication. Anti-inflammatory medication and pain management.
  • Weight management. Reduces load on the knees and hips.
  • Injections. Reduce joint inflammation and pain.

Surgical options

Your physician will recommend the least invasive treatment appropriate for the joint and the cause of your pain.

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How Joint Pain is Diagnosed

If joint pain does not subside over time, a physical examination is the first step in identifying the cause. The physician checks swelling, tenderness, range of motion, and stability. Imaging such as X-ray, MRI, or CT shows cartilage loss, injuries, and inflammation, and blood tests may check for gout or inflammatory arthritis.
 
If you already have MRI imaging, you can sign up for our free MRI review. Our team will examine your imaging, answer your questions, and help point you toward effective treatment.
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What Causes Joint Pain?

A variety of conditions and injuries can cause joint pain. Common causes include:

Osteoarthritis

Gradual wear of the joint cartilage.

Overuse

Repetitive movement at work or in sports.

Injury

Sprains, tears, and fractures.

Gout

Crystal deposits cause sudden, severe joint pain.

Inflammatory arthritis

Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Age

The risk increases as joints get older.

Common Areas Of Joint Pain

Joint pain can occur anywhere in the body. Learn more about the joints we treat most often:

KneeArthritis, meniscus tears, and ligament injuries. HipArthritis, labral tears, and bursitis. ShoulderRotator cuff and labral tears. Hand and wristCarpal tunnel and trigger finger. Foot and ankleFractures, bunions, and arthritis. SpineFacet joint arthritis in the neck and back.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes joint pain?

Common causes include osteoarthritis, overuse, injury, tendonitis, bursitis, gout, and inflammatory arthritis. The risk increases with age, as joint cartilage gradually wears.

Which joints are most often affected?

Joint pain can occur anywhere, but it is most common in the knees, hips, shoulders, neck, elbows, wrists, fingers, ankles, and feet.

When should I see a doctor for joint pain?

See a physician if joint pain does not improve over a few weeks, keeps returning, or comes with swelling, redness, warmth, stiffness, or loss of motion. A hot, swollen joint with fever needs prompt care.

Why does joint pain come and go?

Joint pain often changes with activity. Arthritic joints may ache after use and stiffen after rest, and inflammation can flare and settle over days or weeks.

Can joint pain be treated without surgery?

Yes. Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, weight management, bracing, and injections reduce or eliminate pain for many patients.

When is surgery considered for joint pain?

When a joint is badly damaged, procedures such as arthroscopy or joint replacement can restore function. Total Spine and Orthopedics offers minimally invasive options when surgery is needed.

How is joint pain diagnosed?

A physical examination is typically the first step. X-rays, MRI, or CT help show cartilage loss, injuries, and inflammation, and blood tests can check for gout or inflammatory arthritis.

Where can I be seen for joint pain?

Total Spine and Orthopedics treats joint pain in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville. Call (321) 499-4646 to schedule an evaluation.

Symptoms Of Joint Pain

In many cases, joint pain is not constant and increases or decreases with activity. Common symptoms include:

  • Aching or sharp pain in or around the joint.
  • Stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest.
  • A burning or throbbing sensation in or near the joint.
  • Swelling, warmth, or redness around the joint.
  • Reduced range of motion or difficulty with daily tasks.
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Related Conditions

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly occurs in the hips, knees, and hands.

Knee Pain

Knee Pain is a common symptom that can be caused by a wide variety of conditions ranging from sports injuries to tendonitis or certain medical conditions such as arthritis. The best way to determine the exact cause and available treatment methods for your specific situation is to have a diagnosis done by an expert physician such as our team of doctors here at Total Spine.

Hip Pain

The hips are one of the most critical joints in the body, allowing you to do many of your normal daily activities such as walking, standing, and more. This makes it all the more debilitating if pain, numbness, or weakness begins to affect your hips. Symptoms such as difficulty walking, trouble sleeping, and general uncomfortableness when lying on one side or the other are all common indicators of a hip issue that may need to be addressed.

Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are a common occurrence, especially among athletes and active individuals. Whether it's a sprained ankle, a torn ligament, or a broken bone, sports injuries can sideline even the most seasoned athlete and impact their ability to perform at their best. Orthopedic treatments are often the go-to solution for these types of injuries, helping individuals get back on their feet and back to the sport they love.

Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can come from rotator cuff injuries, arthritis, frozen shoulder, or a pinched nerve in the neck, and it can limit sleep and daily tasks.

Meniscus Tears

Meniscus tears are a common injury to the knee, often caused by twisting or bending the knee forcefully. The meniscus is a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone and the shin bone. It helps to distribute weight evenly across the knee joint and provides stability.

Runner’s Knee

Runner's knee is a common injury among runners and athletes. It occurs when the knee joint experiences excessive stress or wear and tear, leading to pain, inflammation, and discomfort. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments for runner's knee.

Hip Labral Tears

A labral tear is an injury to the tissue between the socket and ball portions of the hip joint. This tear can cause a variety of symptoms including intense pain, difficulty moving your hip, and reduced mobility of the hip.

Rotator Cuff Tears

A rotator cuff tear is a very common condition in the shoulder that can cause recurring pain, weakness, and a variety of other symptoms. When the tissues connecting muscles in the shoulder to bone, commonly known as tendons, become damaged or "torn", it can create a sensation of pain or weakness. The severity and symptoms of the tear can vary depending on what caused the tear to form and other factors.

Shoulder Labral Tears

Shoulder labral tears are a common injury that can cause pain and limited mobility in the shoulder joint. The labrum is a ring of cartilage around the socket of the shoulder blade (scapula), which helps to deepen the socket and stabilize the shoulder joint. A tear in this cartilage can occur due to injury, degeneration, or overuse, causing pain, weakness, and instability in the shoulder.

SLAP Tears

SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior) tears are a type of shoulder injury that affects the labrum, the cartilage that surrounds the shoulder joint. The labrum helps to stabilize the joint and provides a surface for the shoulder blade to move on. A SLAP tear occurs when the labrum is damaged, usually from a traumatic event such as a fall or a sports injury.

When Joint Pain Needs Surgery

The Minimally Invasive Advantage

How minimally invasive joint replacement compares with the traditional approach.

Traditional approachMinimally invasiveOffered at Total Spine
IncisionA longer incision to expose the joint.Smaller incisions.
Muscle and soft tissueMore muscle and soft tissue disruption.Less disruption to the surrounding muscle and tissue.
Postoperative painMore pain early in recovery.Less pain for most patients.
Hospital stayTypically one or more nights in the hospital.A shorter stay; same-day, outpatient surgery for select candidates.
RecoveryA longer return to daily activity.A faster recovery and return to daily activity.

When a joint is badly damaged, minimally invasive joint replacement can restore comfortable movement with smaller incisions and a faster recovery.

Our Patients Stories

Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.

Why Choose Total Spine and Orthopedics

Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.

  • Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques

    We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.

  • Same-day, outpatient procedures

    Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.

  • Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons

    Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.

  • A complimentary MRI review

    Understand your diagnosis and options from a board-certified specialist before committing to any treatment.

  • Trusted by our community

    More than 1,100 patient reviews at a 4.6-star average, and over 50,000 patients treated.

  • Spine and joint care in one place

    From injections to arthroscopy and joint replacement, our team treats joint pain throughout the body.

  • Comprehensive spine and orthopedic care

    From injections to advanced procedures, your full continuum of care is handled in one place.

  • Convenient locations across the Space Coast and Orlando

    Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.

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