Don’t Ignore Joint Pain! What an Orthopedic Doctor Wants You to Know

In this article

1. What Causes Joint Pain?
2. Should You Exercise Injured Joints or Rest Them?
3. How Can You Relieve Joint Pain at Home?
4. When Should I Seek Care for Joint Pain?
5. What Treatments Are Available for Joint Pain?
   1. • Steroid Injections and Cream
      • Regenerative Therapy
      • Physical Therapy
      • Joint-Replacement Surgery
6. How Can You Prevent Joint Pain Before it Starts?
7. Watch the Full Interview with Ulric Bigby, MD

1. What Causes Joint Pain?

The leading cause of joint pain is arthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease.

This happens when cartilage, the connective tissue at the ends of your bones, wears down over time. Without cartilage, bones rub against each other. That friction leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

And here’s the surprising part: arthritis doesn’t just affect older adults. It can happen at any age, even in younger individuals due to injuries or congenital conditions.

2. Should You Exercise Injured Joints or Rest Them?

Balance is key in joint recovery.

• ✅ Short-term rest can help right after an injury.
  • ⚠️ Too much rest can lead to stiffness and weaken muscles.
• ✅ Light movement after any acute pain or inflammation subsides, can help keep joints flexible and prevents stiffness.

Think of it this way: gentle motion is good, but pushing too hard can make things worse.

3. How Can You Relieve Joint Pain at Home?

Before booking a doctor’s visit, try these simple steps:

1. Rest and Ice

• Ice reduces inflammation and eases pain.
• Elevating the joint can also reduce swelling.

2. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications

• Options include Tylenol, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
• Always check with your primary care provider or pharmacist first.

3. Gentle Movement

• Light activity keeps joints from stiffening.
• Avoid movements that cause sharp pain.

4. When Should I Seek Care for Joint Pain?

Not all pain is created equal. How would you describe your pain on a scale from 0-10?

• ✅ 2/10 or 3/10: Mild discomfort is okay to monitor and keep moving.
• ⚠️ 7/10 or 8/10: Severe pain means stop and seek medical care.

The biggest mistake? Pushing through the pain. Continuing high-impact activities can delay recovery and cause long-term damage. You should also visit a Cone Health Urgent Care right away if you:

• Can’t put weight on the joint.
• Notice deformity or swelling.
• Experienced a fall or injury.

For quick help for a sprain, fracture, or sports injury, visit a Cone Health Urgent Care.

5. What Treatments are Available for Joint Pain?

1. Steroid Injections or Steroidal Creams: While these are not permanent solutions, they can reduce inflammation and provide short-term relief. Because long-term steroid use can damage remaining cartilage, it is best used as part of a broader treatment plan instead of on its own.

2. Regenerative Therapy: The future of cartilage regrowth therapy is promising, but it is not widely effective yet. There is currently no reliable way to regenerate cartilage and treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms rather than the root cause.

3. Physical Therapy: One of the most effective non-surgical options available. Physical therapy strengthens the muscles around the joint to improve mobility and stabilize the joint. It also reduces pain overtime.
4. Surgery: If other treatment options have not been successful, joint-replacement surgery can be life-changing. Ask your healthcare provider about surgery to determine if it's the right option for you. It may restore your mobility and improve your quality of life.

6. How Can You Prevent Joint Pain Before It Starts?

Extra weight puts added pressure on your joints, increasing the risk of arthritis earlier in life. Healthy habits go a long way in protecting your long-term mobility and quality of life:

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Explore nutrition counseling for help from a Cone Health licensed, registered dietitian.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint stress. Ask your primary care provider if Cone Health Healthy Weight & Wellness is right for you.
• Limit excess carbs and processed foods. Instead, focus on anti-inflammatory foods like fruits and vegetables.
  • Try a class at the Cone Health MedCenter Greensboro Teaching Kitchen to learn healthy new recipes for the whole family.
  • Mark your calendar for the next Free Community Cooking Class with the Cone Health Center for Health Equity at Greensboro Public Library's Vance Chavis Branch.
  • Access food assistance from the Cone Health Center for Health Equity's food distribution program in Alamance, Guilford and Rockingham Counties.

Get Help For Your Aching Joints

Watch the full WFMY 2 Your Well-Being conversation with Ulric Bigby, MD, with Cone Health OrthoCare Alamance, below.