Do your joints ache? Sprained ankles and wrists, arthritic knees and hips as well as torn rotator cuffs all have one thing in common: they result in joint pain. Joint pain and joint disease can have a significant impact on your ability to enjoy life to
the fullest.
Joints are the areas where our bones meet that allows movement. These joints include the shoulders, hips, elbows and knees. They are made up of bone, muscles, synovium, cartilage and ligaments that bear weight and serve as a cushion and shock absorber.
When these complex structures become irritated or inflamed, they can cause joint pain that can be mild, severe, persistent or chronic.
Causes of Joint Pain
Joint pain is characterized by a general feeling of discomfort, stiffness, soreness and inflammation in any of the body’s joints. It can be caused by many types of injuries or conditions that may include the following:
- Rheumatoid arthritis – an autoimmune disease that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of functions in the joints. It can also affect the eyes, mouth and lungs
- Lupus – an autoimmune disease that attacks healthy tissues and affects the skin, joints, kidneys, brain and other organs
- Bursitis – inflammation of the cushioning pads around joints
- Chondromalacia patellae – the breakdown of the cartilage in the knee cap
- Gout – a common and painful form of arthritis that happens when uric acid builds up in the body. It occurs when the uric acid turns into needle-like crystals and deposits in the joint
- Infectious diseases, such as mumps, influenza and hepatitis
- Fracture – a break in the bone
- Osteoarthritis – the most common form of arthritis that is often related to aging and most frequently occurs in the hands, hips and knees.
- Osteomyelitis – a bone infection caused by bacteria but can also be caused by fungi or other germs
- Septic arthritis – a condition that develops when bacteria or microorganisms spread through the blood to a joint
- Tendinitis – inflammation of the tendon
- Strains or sprains – an injury to the ligaments around a joint due to overstretching
Joint pain may occur with other symptoms that may require immediate medical attention. The following symptoms may indicate a serious or life-threatening condition:
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1.
- The area around the joint is swollen, red, tender or warm to the touch
- The pain persists for three days or more
- Persistent fever that is not associated with flu symptoms
- The joint appears deformed
- Swelling of the joints occurs suddenly
- The joint is completely immobile
- Severe, unexplained joint pain
- Sudden and unintended weight loss
To make an accurate diagnosis, your doctor will review your medical history, perform a complete physical exam and possibly order laboratory tests, X-rays or other imaging tests.
Get Help for Your Joint Pain
At Baptist Health System, our orthopedic team know that joint pain can deprive you of being able to do the things you like to do. Whether it’s walking the dog, cooking in your kitchen or just being able to put on your own socks and shoes, we can
help you get back to your daily life.
No matter what form of joint pain you’re suffering from, our orthopedic team at Baptist in San Antonio are here to help. We understand that your condition is as unique as you are, so we treat your joint pain in a personalized way. Your doctor will
work with you to find the most appropriate treatment options for your particular condition.
The Right Treatment for Your Pain
Pain is personal; Baptist Health System can create a personalized care plan to fit your unique needs. We offer a variety of treatment options, including physical therapy, innovative solutions and minimally invasive procedures for severe joint pain using
the Mako SmartRoboticsTM for joint replacement surgery and more.
Mako Technology for Joint Replacement Surgery
Mako SmartRoboticsTM is a modern technology designed to help provide solutions for knee pain. It uses a 3D CT-based planning software that helps our orthopedic doctors understand our patients' anatomy and design personalized joint replacement surgical
plans.
During the procedure, an orthopedic surgeon replaces your injured or deformed joint with an artificial body part (prosthesis). Mako robotic-assisted technology gives surgeons a precise approach to surgery that protects the healthy bones.
Joint replacement surgery is performed when pain and stiffness make your daily activities difficult or impossible, and less invasive methods — such as medication or physical therapy — haven’t been effective.
Where Is Your Pain?
Take the Knee & Hip Health Risk Assessment
