Joint pain

What is Joint Pain?

Joint pain refers to discomfort, aches, and soreness in any of the body's joints. This can range from mild to severe, and may feel sharp and stabbing or dull and achy.

Some common causes of joint pain include:

• Arthritis - inflammation and breakdown of the cartilage in joints. The most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.


• Injuries - sprains, strains, fractures, and dislocations can all lead to acute or chronic joint pain.


• Overuse - repetitive movements and overexertion places stress on joints.


• Infection - viruses, bacteria, and fungi can infect joints and cause inflammation.

Why Does Joint Pain Occur?

There are a few reasons joint pain develops:

• Cartilage breakdown - The cartilage acts as a shock absorber and allows smooth joint motion. When it deteriorates, bone rubs on bone.


• Inflammation - The immune system attacks joint tissues, releasing chemicals that damage tissue and nerves, causing pain.


• Injury - Sudden injuries like fractures put stress on joints. Repetitive, minor injuries lead to overuse pain.

Some factors that raise your risk for joint pain include age, excess weight, joint overuse, genetics, existing disease, infection, and prior injury.

If you're suffering from persistent joint pain and stiffness, especially with swelling or redness, it's important to see your doctor for an evaluation. Blood tests and imaging scans can pinpoint the cause, whether it's injury, arthritis, infection, or another condition.

How is Joint Pain Treated?

Depending on the underlying cause, joint pain treatment may include:

• Pain medication - Over-the-counter NSAIDs or prescription pain relievers to relieve discomfort


• Lifestyle changes - Losing weight, low-impact exercise, applying heat/ice, assistive devices like canes or braces


• Physical therapy - Specific stretches, exercises, and modalities to improve joint mobility and strength


• Injections - Steroids or lubricants injected directly into the joint to reduce inflammation and pain


• Surgery - When joint damage is severe, surgical procedures like joint replacement may be necessary

In addition to traditional treatments, some patients find relief from joint supplements like chondroitin and glucosamine or natural anti-inflammatories like turmeric.

At Hormone Health Institute, we've seen many patients find relief from chronic joint pain through hormone optimization therapy. Declining hormones as we age is linked to increased inflammation and cartilage breakdown. By restoring hormone levels to more youthful ranges, patients often see reductions in joint pain and stiffness. Our expert medical team can evaluate your hormone levels through simple at-home blood tests. If hormonal imbalance is contributing to your joint woes, we customize treatment plans to get your body balanced from the inside out. Relief is possible - schedule a consultation today!