Joint Pain Causes and Management

If you have sudden or ongoing pain in your knee, hip or shoulder, you may wonder why — and when it’s time to seek medical care. You may be able to manage pain on your own for a while, but how do you know if joint pain is a sign of a serious problem that needs care?

Jeffrey Lange, MD, a Mass General Brigham orthopedic surgeon, explains the different causes of joint pain and why you shouldn’t ignore it. Learn how to manage joint pain and when you should see a health care provider for care.

What causes arthralgia (joint pain)?

Arthralgia, the medical term for joint pain, can happen at any age and for a variety of reasons.

Whether you have joint pain all over the body or just in the knee or shoulder, understanding the cause helps you and your doctor decide what treatment is best.

Common joint pain causes include:

• Injury. You’re more likely to have joint pain from an injury if you’re active. The muscles and ligaments in your joint can become sprained or strained from activity, causing joint pain and aches. You can also develop an overuse or repetitive strain injury from repeated stress on certain joints, like if you run or play tennis.

• Osteoarthritis. While any type of arthritis can cause joint pain, osteoarthritis is the most common. It breaks down the connective tissues, like cartilage, and weakens the bones in your joint.

• Autoimmune conditions, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, can cause inflammation in your joints that may be painful.

Who to see for joint pain

If you have joint pain or mobility issues for the first time, talk to your primary care provider (PCP). They can evaluate you and connect you to a specialist if needed.

You may be able to manage joint paint at home, but if your joint pain is worsening or it’s seriously impacting your quality of life, an orthopaedic expert who specializes in treating conditions that affect the muscles, bones, joints, and connective tissues can help you.

Orthopedic specialists can help review a range of treatment options to help you find relief from joint pain.

Some of the reasons to see an orthopaedic surgeon include:

• New joint pain that isn’t getting better on its own
• Chronic joint pain that has lasted for months or years
• Limited mobility, such as difficulty walking, climbing stairs, reaching above your head, or pain when working out
• Difficulty changing position, such as moving from a sitting position to a standing position
• New use of a cane, walker, or wheelchair due to your joint pain or mobility issues
• Severe pain that may wake you at night
• Regular use of over-the-counter medications to manage your joint pain
• Changes to a joint’s appearance, like a straight leg that has begun to bow

“You shouldn’t have to live with joint pain,” says Dr. Lange. “If something is wrong, call us to be evaluated. Every evaluation is different, because every patient is unique.”

Seek care to prevent joint pain from worsening, injury, and other problems

For patients who have joint pain or mobility issues, it’s important to stay current with your joint health. In some cases, ignoring joint pain for too long may increase pain or mobility problems, or even result in a fall or injury.

“The more proactive you are in preserving your joints, the longer we anticipate they will last,” says Dr. Lange. “Taking care of your joint pain early could delay or prevent the need for surgery. If you do need surgery, having surgery earlier can lead to better outcomes in many cases. The details differ for every person, which is why we always suggest having an evaluation with a clinician to better understand your own unique situation.”

What are my options for joint pain management?

A check-in with your orthopaedic specialist can help you understand all the available options for your unique situation. Together, you and your orthopaedic specialist can:

• Address your joint symptoms and concerns
• Review or order imaging, such as an x-ray or an MRI
• Discuss exercises or other lifestyle changes that can reduce pain and improve mobility
• Discuss the role of pain medicine
• Schedule a cortisone injection to help relieve pain and inflammation in a joint
• Pursue a referral to physical therapy or other non-surgical treatments
• Discuss joint replacement surgery or another procedure
• Discuss the risks and benefits of continuing care versus waiting for a period of time

Benefits of virtual care for joint problems

A consultation with an orthopaedic specialist can be done in-person or virtually. A virtual visit allows you to accomplish many of the same things you would review during an in-person visit. Many patients are realizing the benefits of virtual care for joint problems, including:

• Convenience: Patients don’t have to drive to the clinic or hospital. This is particularly helpful for orthopaedic patients who may be in pain or who have limited mobility.
• Saving time: The average virtual visit lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and doesn’t involve the time needed to do things like travel to an appointment and find your doctor’s office.
• Connection: Many patients have been able to maintain strong emotional connections with their providers during virtual visits.

“Going to the doctor’s office used to be a half- or even full-day affair for some patients,” says Dr. Lange. “With a virtual visit, patients can meet with me for a short period of time from the comfort of their homes. They feel like they are still connected with their provider without having to put themselves at risk by leaving their home during this difficult time.”

Find relief from joint pain at the Brigham Center for Joint Health and Mobility

“We’re a joint health center,” says Dr. Lange. “We provide a single center where patients can get all of their joint health needs in one place, from rehabilitation specialists to joint replacement surgeons. We take a holistic approach to keeping your joints healthy and in optimal condition for as long as possible.”