Why Do I Feel Pain?

August 30, 2016

Bone and joint pain are the top two reasons that most middle-aged or older adults complain about to their healthcare professional. As you age, your body undergoes many changes. Muscle size and bone density generally decrease as you become less active. This makes you more prone to overuse injury and bone fractures.

Bone pain is described as a deep or penetrating pain that often gets worse at night when you move the affected limb. The most common causes of bone pain are bone fracture or break, infection, hormone deficiency (menopause), interruption of blood supply, caner or Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition in which your bone mass is reduced below what is considered normal.

Joint pain is the discomfort arising from any part of a joint including cartilage, bone, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Joint pain can be mild, causing soreness after activities or can be severe limiting movement. Causes of joint pain range from Tendinitis, Bursitis, Lupus, Bone Cancer to the most common Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Both of these start out the same way, PAIN. Pain is the sign that something is wrong. If you’re in pain consult with your healthcare professional about what is going on. To diagnosis pain your healthcare professional will do a physical examination, x-rays, CT Scan, MRI, blood or urine test. He / She may also order medications for inflammation, antibiotics for infection, other pain relievers and or hormones.

There are times that you will not be able to get to your health care professional so you may need to care for your pain at home here are some tips:

  • Over the counter pain reliever (Advil, Motrin or Aleve)
  • Natural supplements (turmeric)
  • Rest (avoid using the joint it will worsen the pain)
  • Apply ice 15 to 20 minutes each day
  • Use a heating pad or soak in warm tub to relax muscles an increase circulation.

For those of you who have Arthritis, you may be tempted to avoid exercise. However, exercise keeps your joints flexible and can reduce pain in the long run. A balanced regimen of stretching, walking, swimming and bicycling can help.

Remember pain is a sign, seek help from your healthcare professional. Keep moving.

Written by LaVella Head

 

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