Joint pain is one of the most common complaints patients bring to medical professionals. Whether it’s a dull ache, stiffness, or sharp discomfort, joint pain can significantly impact your quality of life, limiting movement and daily activities. According to Dr. Jordan Sudberg, a pain management specialist with years of experience helping patients navigate complex pain conditions, understanding the root causes of joint pain is essential for effective treatment and long-term relief.
In this article, Dr. Sudberg walks us through why joint pain happens, the most common causes, and how you can find the right treatment plan tailored to your needs.
What Causes Joint Pain?
Your joints are where two or more bones meet, cushioned by cartilage and surrounded by muscles, ligaments, and synovial fluid. When any of these components are injured, inflamed, or deteriorate, it can lead to pain.
Dr. Sudberg emphasizes that joint pain is a symptom, not a diagnosis in itself. “It’s crucial to identify what’s triggering your pain,” he explains, “because treatment depends on addressing the underlying cause.”
Here are some of the most common causes of joint pain Dr. Sudberg encounters:
1. Osteoarthritis
The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis involves the gradual breakdown of cartilage. This leads to bones rubbing together, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness—especially in weight-bearing joints like knees and hips but also in hands and shoulders.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation, pain, and eventual joint damage.
3. Injuries
Trauma from accidents or repetitive use can cause sprains, strains, or tears in ligaments, tendons, or cartilage, leading to joint pain.
4. Bursitis and Tendonitis
Inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs) or tendons surrounding joints can cause localized pain and restrict movement.
5. Gout
A type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint, often affecting the big toe but also other joints.
6. Infections
Joint infections can cause sudden, severe pain and require immediate medical attention.
How Does Dr. Jordan Sudberg Diagnose Joint Pain?
Dr. Sudberg stresses the importance of a comprehensive approach. “A thorough history and physical exam help us understand your symptoms, onset, and any triggers,” he says. Diagnostic imaging like X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds, along with blood tests, can help pinpoint inflammation, structural damage, or systemic causes like autoimmune diseases.
Treatment Options: What Works Best?
Treatment varies widely depending on the cause and severity of joint pain. Dr. Sudberg emphasizes a personalized plan that can include:
1. Medications
- NSAIDs and acetaminophen to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Disease-modifying drugs for autoimmune arthritis.
- Corticosteroid injections for targeted relief.
2. Physical Therapy
Strengthening muscles around the joint and improving flexibility to reduce stress on the joint.
3. Lifestyle Changes
Weight loss, low-impact exercise, and dietary adjustments can reduce joint strain and inflammation.
4. Advanced Pain Management Techniques
For chronic or severe pain, Dr. Sudberg offers interventional procedures such as nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, or regenerative therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
5. Surgery
In cases of severe joint damage or injury, surgical interventions like joint replacement or arthroscopy may be necessary.
When Should You See a Specialist?
Dr. Jordan Sudberg advises patients to seek expert evaluation if:
- Joint pain persists for weeks or worsens despite home treatment.
- Pain is accompanied by swelling, redness, or warmth around the joint.
- You experience joint deformity or significant loss of function.
- There is fever or other systemic symptoms indicating infection.
Final Thoughts
Joint pain is a complex symptom with many possible causes. With guidance from specialists like Dr. Jordan Sudberg, patients can receive accurate diagnoses and customized treatment plans that address both pain and function.
If you’re struggling with joint pain, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Early intervention can prevent progression and improve your quality of life. Reach out to a pain management specialist to explore your options and take the first step toward relief.
