A joint is the connection between two bones, supported by other structures such as ligaments, cartilage and the synovial membrane. As you know, our joints play a vital role in our ability to walk, bend, and stay active. When joints and the surrounding areas become injured, inflamed or damaged due to disease or degeneration, mild to severe pain can occur. Many health conditions are associated with joint pain and can worsen over time. Joint pain can be managed through home remedies, medications, physical therapy, supplements or a combination of any of the above. Learning about joint pain can help patients find the right solution for dealing with their discomfort.

Joint pain can be caused by disease or by injury affecting any of the tendons, bursae or ligaments surrounding the joint. Other causes of joint pain include fractures, degeneration or stress from overuse. These may be caused from ligament or tendon tears, sprains, pulls, strains, tumors, cartilage damage or steroid withdrawal. Some infections, such as colds, flu, viral and bacterial infections, can also cause discomfort and pain in our joints. Within the broad spectrum of causes, there are several major diseases that are associated with joint pain, which include gout, tendonitis, bursitis and charcot joint.

Natural remedies can be used at home to relieve pain. Individuals may find that massaging the affected area with oil or a warm bath, help relieve pain. Water treatments are also a proven pain treatment. Other natural remedies include the digestion of chapati made from roasted grams flour and clarify butter. Some find relief from drinking a cup of papaya seed tea several times per day for up to three weeks. A porridge which can reduce pain and inflammation can be made by combining two teaspoons of winter cherry with molasses or ghee. Eat the porridge on an empty stomach for fifteen days.

Drug medications are commonly prescribed to patients with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other common diseases that cause severe joint pain. These pain relief medications are a long-term solution to the symptoms of the disease and are meant to facilitate proper mobility and improve quality of life. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS, are ideal for both inflammation and pain. People suffering from joint pain should also use physical therapy to manage pain. Exercise should be performed on a regular basis, especially traction exercises. Dietary joint pain supplements, such as Glucosamine, have also been proven effective.

More than 40 million Americans suffer from some form of arthritis, and many experience chronic pain due to their condition. One in two people will experience joint pain by the time they reach 85 years of age. There are a number of causes for joint discomfort. If you are experiencing such pain, consult a doctor to determine the cause. With the proper treatment, joint pain can be managed and pain relieved.

Use the following resources to learn more about joint pain and how to deal with your discomfort:

• Prevent Joint Pain: Healthy practices individuals can use to reduce their risk of joint-related diseases or injuries.
• Specific Problems – Bone and Joint Paint: Information on specific problems that can cause acute and chronic bone and joint pain.
• Joint Pain in Children: Symptoms and advice on diagnosing juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or joint pain, in children.
• Bone and Joint Pain: Article discussing bone and joint pain associated with arthritis and cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and hormonal therapy.
• Joint Pain – Overview: Information on common causes, treatment and considerations on joint pain.
• Join Pain Assessment Test: Brief survey to indicate whether or not a patient may be experiencing various types of joint pain and diseases.
• Healing Steps – Joint Pain: List of steps you can take to relive joint pain and heal your body.
• Joint Pain Among Adults: Chart showing the statistics of join pain among adults 18 years of age or older. [PDF]
• Arthritis in Women: Information on arthritis, including the most common types, steps to ease the symptoms of joint pain, and resources and publications.
• Joint Pain: Advice on home care for patients with joint pain, when to contact a medical professional, and what to expect at your office visit.
• Understanding Joint Pain: List of medical conditions that can cause joint pain, such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, tendonitis, sprains, and bursitis.
• Joint Pain in Patients with Lupus: Article discussing the connection between joint pain and lupus-related conditions.
• The Many Causes of Joint Pain: Information on the various causes of joint pain and conditions that can cause discomfort of the joints. [PDF]
• Simple Home Remedies to Treat Joint Pain: List of home remedies used to relieve the symptoms of joint pain, such as massage and natural herbs.
• Gout – Joint Pain and More: Article about a severe type of joint ailment, known as gout, caused by an accumulation of uric acid.
• Exercise and Arthritis: Information on how patients with joint problems, such as arthritis, can relieve joint pain and improve their health through exercise.
• Traumatic Joint Injuries and Disease: Symptoms, treatments and information on traumatic joint injuries and joint-related diseases.
• Treatment for Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases: List of short-term relief and long-term options for reliving joint pain.
• Hand and Wrist Conditions and Treatments: Osteoarthritis information, signs, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of the hand.
• Patient's Guide to the Causes and Treatment of Joint Pain: Learn the common causes of joint pain and how to obtain a quality diagnosis. [PDF]