Joint pain—also known as arthralgia—is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, affecting people of all ages. It may involve one or multiple joints, and can range from mild discomfort to severe, disabling pain that limits daily activities.
Joint pain may be caused by injury, inflammation, arthritis, or degeneration, and often presents with swelling, stiffness, or reduced range of motion. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment can prevent further joint damage and improve quality of life.
Common Causes of Joint Pain
Osteoarthritis (OA) - Wear-and-tear of cartilage leading to bone-on-bone contact, commonly affecting the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - An autoimmune disease causing joint inflammation, pain, and eventual joint damage.
Post-traumatic arthritis - Joint damage following a fracture, sprain, or dislocation.
Tendinitis or bursitis - Inflammation of tendons or joint bursae due to overuse or repetitive motion.
Gout or pseudogout - Crystal accumulation in joints, leading to sudden, severe attacks of pain and swelling.
Joint instability or ligament injuries - Especially common in shoulders, knees, and ankles.
Degenerative joint disease - Progressive loss of cartilage, often associated with aging.
Symptoms
Aching, throbbing, or sharp joint pain
Swelling, redness, or warmth around the joint
Stiffness, especially in the morning or after inactivity
Clicking, grinding, or locking during movement
Limited range of motion
Weakness or instability
Conservative Treatment Options
Medications
NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) to reduce inflammation and pain
Acetaminophen for mild to moderate pain
Topical creams (e.g., diclofenac gel)
Corticosteroids (oral or injectable) for inflammation flares
Disease-modifying agents for autoimmune arthritis (e.g., RA)
Physical Therapy
Focused on strengthening, joint mobilization, and posture correction
Helps preserve joint function and reduce mechanical stress
Lifestyle Modifications
Weight loss to reduce joint load
Low-impact exercise (e.g., swimming, cycling)
Bracing or orthotics to support joint alignment
Interventional Pain Management Options
For patients who do not respond to conservative care, interventional therapies can offer targeted relief and improve joint function:
Corticosteroid Joint Injections
Reduces inflammation and pain in knee, shoulder, hip, or other joints
Typically provides relief for weeks to months
Viscosupplementation (Hyaluronic Acid Injections)
Used for knee osteoarthritis to lubricate the joint and reduce friction
May delay the need for surgery
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Performed for chronic knee, hip, or sacroiliac joint pain
Uses heat to desensitize sensory nerves, providing long-term relief
Genicular Nerve Block (for knee pain)
A diagnostic and therapeutic injection targeting sensory nerves of the knee
Often followed by RFA for longer-lasting results
When to Seek Help
Consider seeing a specialist if you experience:
Persistent joint pain lasting more than a few weeks
Pain that interferes with daily activities
Swelling, redness, or warmth
Loss of joint function or instability
Move Without Pain—We Can Help
At Parkview Spine & Pain, we provide personalized, evidence-based care for joint pain. Whether your discomfort stems from arthritis, injury, or overuse, we offer both conservative therapies and advanced interventional treatments to help you regain mobility and live pain-free.
👉 Schedule your consultation today to explore your options for long-lasting joint pain relief.