When some people complain about joint pain, it is centered on a specific joint, such as the knee or hip. This type of pain can be treated with targeted pain management. But what happens when your joint pain is sporadic and all over the place? One day, your ankle hurts, and the next, your thumbs ache. Here, we’ll explore what to do when you have joint pain in different parts of your body.
What Causes Joint Pain in Different Parts of the Body?
According to research from the Cleveland Clinic, “Chronic pain in multiple joints is usually due to osteoarthritis or an inflammatory disorder (such as rheumatoid arthritis).” The pain may also stem from gout, inflammation, or a chronic joint disorder.
If you feel joint pain throughout your body all at once, you may have a temporary illness, such as the flu or COVID-19. Researchers are still studying the long-term effects of COVID, but some patients report a phenomenon called “long COVID.” This is characterized by ongoing pain, fatigue, and exhaustion well after other symptoms have subsided.
Whether your joint pain is widespread and temporary or sporadic and chronic, there are treatments available to help you manage your joint pain.
Address the Underlying Issue to Manage Long-Term Pain
The best way to treat joint pain in different parts of the body is to identify the cause of the pain. Are you experiencing arthritis, or is there an issue with how your mind sends and receives pain signals? Do you have an old work injury that never fully healed and is now causing discomfort in your life? Talk to a pain management doctor near you to find out what the underlying cause is, and then you can find an appropriate treatment path.
Macomb Pain Management
8152 25 Mile Rd Suite B
Shelby Township, MI 48316
Call (248) 844-8281 to schedule an appointment with a joint pain doctor in Southeast Michigan.
Make Lifestyle Adjustments to Minimize Your Pain Exposure
Lifestyle adjustments can drastically reduce your pain symptoms, depending on what you’re experiencing. For example, if you spend most of the day hunched over at the computer, you could use a standing desk or take periodic breaks to reduce your back pain. If your job requires you to work long hours on your feet, invest in orthopedic shoes with comfort inserts to minimize foot pain.
Prioritize getting a good night’s sleep every night because that is the time your body uses to heal aches and pains. The better you sleep, the better you’ll feel the following day. Drink plenty of water and maintain a healthy, nutritious diet for long-term pain relief.
Your pain management doctor can recommend specific steps you can take to prevent pain in the future. Talk to a specialist near you about personalized pain management and targeted pain relief.