Joint Pain

During vacations, although most travelers seek relaxation, joint pain can flare up from the increased activity while sightseeing, walking along the beaches, etc. While usually not serious, this pain can put a damper on even the best of trips.

Osteoarthritis

Most joint pain is due to osteoarthritis (OA) and is a normal part of the aging process. OA is a chronic degenerative condition caused in part by “normal wear and tear.” It is characterized by pain, swelling, and stiffness of the affected joint(s). With time, joints may become deformed and lose normal function and range of motion. Any joint may be involved, but OA most commonly affects the fingers, spine, hips, and knees. You can treat the pain and stiffness with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) medications, such as Ibuprofen or Naprosyn. A newer COX-2 inhibitor medication, Celebrex, provides 24-hour pain relief with minimal stomach irritation.

If you have stomach problems, kidney problems, or congestive heart failure do not use COX-2 inhibitors or NSAIDs, but choose acetaminophen instead.

If your pain is daily and severe, a low dose narcotic may be the only option. Several alternative medications are available as well, such as glucosamine, MSM, or cat’s claw. Doctors can also treat most joints with steroid injections, which can provide relief for many months.

Exercise and stretching are very useful in the treatment of joint pain from OA. Strengthening the surrounding muscle groups takes pressure off the joint surface. Similarly, weight loss can help.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is suspected if the patient has a family history of the condition, morning stiffness and pain, and a pattern of joint pain and swelling involving the wrist and fingers. The diagnosis can be confirmed with a specific blood test. Your primary care physician and/or a rheumatologist should always manage RA, as treatments are complex and require monitoring.

Infection

Viral or bacterial infections may cause pain and swelling of one or several joints. Seek a medical expert to diagnose and manage your condition. Infections of the bone can also cause pain, redness, and swelling, as well as whole body symptoms, including fever, chills, and perspiration. Always seek immediate medical attention when you have a warm, swollen joint.

Gout

Another common cause of joint pain is gout. An attack of gout is characterized by the sudden onset of joint pain, swelling, and warmth. Gout most often affects the large toe, but other joints may also be affected. Gout forms when uric acid (a protein breakdown product) crystallizes and leaves deposits in the affected joint. Doctors are now able to manage mild forms of gout with an anti-inflammatory medication called Indomethacin. The regular dose is 50 mg taken three times a day during the attack. (See MedToGo’s pharmaceutical guide for medication guidelines.)

New-Onset Joint Pain

Have a doctor evaluate any joint pain that follows an injury in order to exclude tendon or ligament injury or fracture. This is especially true if you have pain or instability when attempting to perform a normal function. For example, if after an ankle injury you are unable to stand without significant weakness or pain, your ankle may be fractured. Before seeing a doctor, ice the joint and then seek medical attention as soon as possible.