It’s normal to dismiss joint pain as a muscle sprain. However, many patients visit an orthopedic doctor in Thane after enduring joint pain for months, and even years. Many don’t bother seeing a specialist until the pain becomes unbearable or starts making their daily activities and movements difficult.
Not every joint pain is due to arthritis, but not every joint ache should be ignored either. Understanding the difference between normal pain and what requires a consultation with an orthopedic doctor is important to get timely treatment.
When is Joint Pain Normal?
Certain movements, repetitive use, or performing activities that put a lot of pressure on certain joints can make your joint sore. That could be normal and might usually get better with rest.
1. Pain After Exercise
Pain after exercise or heavy physical activity that your joints aren’t used to can temporarily make them sore. Running, walking, climbing stairs, or increasing your workout intensity or duration can all increase pressure in your joints, causing joint ache. This is normal and will likely improve on its own.
2. Pain After Injury
If you have twisted the ankle or hit your elbow, expect temporary pain at the injured site. The same goes for knees. Mild discomfort often improves with rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
3. Mild Joint Stiffness
Your fingers, knees, or hip joints might feel slightly stiff in the morning, but may get better once you start moving. Likewise, knees could hurt when you stand up and start walking after sitting in one position for a prolonged period. This, again, might be harmless, as long as it lasts for a short period and resolves without painkillers or medical intervention.
4. Pain Due to a Viral Infection
Joint pain during or after a viral infection can also be normal, but certain viral infections, such as chikungunya, can cause severe joint pain that lasts for several weeks or months after the infection is resolved.
When Does Joint Pain Require Medical Attention?
This is when you may need joint pain treatment in Thane:
When You Have Persistent Joint Pain
If you have persistent joint pain that keeps on returning or doesn’t respond to conservative treatments, it may be a sign to seek medical care.
For example, pain in the knees every time you climb stairs, fingers that hurt during work, or persistent shoulder pain are all signs of underlying issues. It can be osteoarthritis, an inflammatory condition, an infection, or an injury.
Joint Looks Red and Swollen
Joint soreness without other symptoms is different from pain accompanied by redness, swelling, and warmth around the affected joint. These can be signs of inflammation or an infection, which requires immediate medical care.
You Can’t Move the Joint
If you can’t move your joint after an injury, or your knee feels like it’s giving way, it’s worth consulting an orthopedic doctor. Likewise, if you experience severe, unbearable joint pain with swelling and difficulty moving the affected joint, it’s not something to ignore.
