Joint paint is nothing to be taken lightly. Knee, shoulder, and elbow sites are common sources of pain for those physically active. Joint pain can be the result of overuse or an injury. In the case of minor strain or injury, resting the joint, applying ice and compression and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication will usually help. However, if the pain lasts more than one to two days, consider visiting our knee specialist in Phoenix.
Types of Joint Pain
Not all joint pain is the same, nor does it always originate from the same source. There are several causes of joint pain which might require you to see a knee specialist in Phoenix. Some of the most common ones are listed below.
Old Injury
If you have hurt yourself before and then overworked the same joint, you could easily have a flare-up.
Osteoarthritis
If you are 60 or older, this may be the cause of the problem.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease
If you are a young teenager, this could be the culprit. An inflamed or irritated tendon below the knee can cause pain for this age group.
Tendonitis
This injury is more common among athletes who might overdo it during an event or when practicing.
Bursitis
This flare-up is usually caused by overuse of the knee joint, causing inflammation in the sacs of fluid that protect the knee.
What You Can Do At Home
If the pain comes on slowly and gets worse, you can try some at-home remedies. General practitioners may help, but your best option is seeking a knee specialist in Phoenix. In the meantime, take over-the-counter medication that has anti-inflammatory properties; it will work to counteract the swelling. Be sure that, if you have certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, or a sensitive stomach, you try a milder pain reliever like Tylenol.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If the pain or swelling does not go away or gets worse, see medical attention as soon as you can. Also, if the site of the pain becomes red or hot, this is a clear indication that there might be something more going on that requires help. If you have a fever or experience tenderness around the joint, this should be evaluated by a professional.
If there is a popping sound, the inability to put any weight on the joint, extreme pain or swelling, or if the area looks deformed, seek medical attention immediately. Seeing a knee specialist in Phoenix will help you determine what to do next.
Get Started
See the professionals at Angelo Mattalino, MD in Tempe when it comes to assessing the best course of action for you and your pain. You deserve the very best: that includes your joints. Contact us today to book your appointment.
