Why deal with joint pain in the hand and other parts of the body

Rest pain in joints and muscles: causes

There are many factors that can cause or worsen joint pain. Sometimes sudden bone and joint pain comes at rest, other times pain in all joints comes at the moment of excessive physical exertion. Some of the main triggers include:

• Arthritis: a degenerative joint disease that gradually destroys cartilage and causes pain.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own joints, leading to chronic inflammation and pain. These patients should see a rheumatologist immediately.
• Gouty arthritis (a joint disease known as gout): A disease caused by the accumulation of uric acid in the joints, which leads to intense bouts of pain.
• Infection: Some infections can lead to inflammation in the joints.
• Injury or overuse: Falling, twisting or excessive physical activity can lead to joint damage. In this case, your General practitioner or orthopaedic surgeon should assess the severity of the problem and recommend further treatment steps.

Joint and muscle pain without temperature: symptoms

Sore joints can manifest themselves in different ways, depending on the cause and the type of joint that is affected. The most common symptoms include:

• Pain on movement: Joints may hurt when bending, stretching or moving due to inflammation or degeneration of the cartilage.
• Swelling and redness: Joints may be swollen and discoloured.
• Stiffness: with prolonged inactivity, the joint may become stiff and difficult to move.
• Heat in the joint: Feeling hot around the affected joint may indicate inflammation.

Where joint pain occurs

Joint pain at night and during the day can affect any joint in the body, and it also often occurs in the form of migratory joint and muscle pain that can move between different areas. It most commonly occurs in the following areas:

• Hip and knee pain.
• Shoulder joint pain.
• Joint pain in the foot or hand (or directly joint pain in the big toe and hand).
• Pain in the elbow area.
• Pain in the spine.

Therapy and treatment of joint pain

Treatment for joint pain depends on the specific diagnosis, but may involve several approaches:

• Pharmacological treatment: painkillers (analgesics) and anti-inflammatory drugs can help relieve symptoms.
• Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is key to improving joint mobility and strengthening the surrounding muscles. As part of physiotherapy exercises, regular movement is recommended to improve flexibility and relieve pain.
• Orthopaedic aids: Sometimes it may be helpful to see an orthopaedic surgeon who may recommend, for example, the use of orthotic insoles, splints or braces for pain relief.
• Rheumatology treatment: patients with rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis may be prescribed biological treatment or immunosuppressive drugs.
• Surgical intervention: in advanced cases where conservative treatment does not work, surgery such as arthroscopy or joint replacement may be necessary.
• Lifestyle changes: Weight reduction, a balanced diet, getting enough exercise without overloading the joints and adapting daily activities. Particularly if you are suffering from hip pain, a change in lifestyle can greatly help to relieve the hip joints and prevent further deterioration of the condition.

What can happen when joint pain is not addressed?

Untreated joint pain can have serious consequences:

• Permanent joint damage: Chronic pain and inflammation can lead to irreversible damage to the joint, which can limit mobility and the ability to perform normal activities.
• Increased risk for other complications: Untreated joint disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can lead to damage to other organs and overall poor health.
• Reduced quality of life: Chronic joint pain can have a negative impact on your overall health, mental well-being and ability to perform daily activities.

That's why it's essential to see a doctor as soon as you notice the first signs of joint pain.