Understanding Common Joint Disorders and How to Manage Them

Joint pain is one of the most common reasons people visit an orthopedist. If you’ve ever wondered what’s wrong with your joint, reading this article is a good first step in understanding why that may be the case.

Understanding The Joints

Joints are the main connectors of the skeletal system. Our joints enable us to move freely in the world. They are impressive parts of our anatomy that have several roles. They are not only responsible for allowing us to move and bend, but they also support our body weight and absorb external impact forces. Healthy joints are a key component in making our lives livable.

Joints are held together by a series of ligaments connecting bone to bone, as well as cartilaginous structures both within and surrounding the joint. These structures act as shock absorbers to protect the joint from extreme forces. Also, inside most joints is a fluid, called synovial fluid, that lubricates and nourishes them.

The Three Most Common Types of Joint Disorders

There are many reasons why your joints could be hurting you, but the three most common repeat offenders are described below.

Osteoarthritis (OA): OA is the most common type of arthritis, often described as "wear and tear" on the joints. It happens from the deterioration of the structures in and around the joints. This can mean the breakdown of the joint capsule, the cartilaginous cushion located in some joints, or the degradation of bone around the joint.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): RA is another type of arthritis that is an autoimmune disorder. This means the immune system mistakenly recognizes your own body as an enemy and goes on the “attack”. This attack is directed at joint structures leading to inflammation, pain, and in some cases, joint deformity. Symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness are similar to those of OA. However, RA symptoms differ in that they come on faster, tend to worsen in the morning, and may be accompanied by fever, fatigue, and anemia.
Traumatic injuries: Injuries can happen to anyone, at any time, at any age. This category of joint disorders includes sprains and strains, joint dislocations, or joint injury from a car accident.

Their Respective Treatments

Treating common joint disorders first involves obtaining an accurate diagnosis. Treatment options for these conditions include:
Osteoarthritis: Managing OA is all about improving and maintaining joint health. The best way to achieve this is through regular exercise and weight management. Physical therapy helps this by strengthening specific muscle groups around the joints, promoting flexibility and improving overall mobility. OTC pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications, as well as steroid injections, can help symptoms. However, severe cases may require surgery such as joint replacement.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Regular exercise, weight management, and physical therapy are key players in treating RA. However pharmaceutical intervention is more important than for osteoarthritis. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), steroids, and injectable biologic treatments help slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.
Traumatic Injuries: Treatment for trauma to joints depends on the cause and severity of the injury. If severe enough, surgery may be recommended as a first-line treatment. When less severe, your injury may be managed through stabilization of the joint, physical therapy, and OTC or prescription pain medications and anti-inflammatories.

Dr. Burke Orthopedics is Here for You

Dr. Burke Orthopedics consists of a team of orthopedic specialists diagnosing and treating common joint disorders. We provide personalized care tailored to your specific needs to help you regain mobility and improve your joint health.

We know joints and want yours to be as healthy as possible. If you’re experiencing pain and wondering what’s wrong with your joints, schedule a consultation with us by calling (713) 436-3488.