Joint Pain and Stiffness

Joint discomfort is a common condition, particularly among adults and older individuals. While joint pain and stiffness can be experienced all over the body, it is most usually felt in the hands, feet, hips, knees, and/or spine. 

Unfortunately, we can feel a variety of pains in our joints. Pain may be constant (chronic) or come and go. People with joint pain may feel stiff, achy, or sore and may even have pain described as a burning, throbbing, or grating sensation. It is common to wake up feeling sore and stiff, but by the afternoon, the joint pain can feel better with some activity. However, too much activity can make the pain worse. 

You can feel joint pain all over the body, ranging from mild, such as soreness only after certain activities, to severe, where even limited movement is extremely painful. 

While joint pain can affect almost anyone, there are factors that increase the likelihood of joint pain and discomfort: 

• Previous injuries to a joint
• Arthritis
• Weight 
• Poor health 

At Mid-County Physical Therapy, we know the only thing that’s worse than experiencing pain, is not knowing what is causing it. We will help guide you through your joint pain, starting with the cause of your discomfort and ending with the best treatment options right for you. 

What Causes Joint Pain and Stiffness? 

Part of why joint pain and stiffness are so common is because there are numerous causes for it. These are some of the many causes of joint pain: 

• Broken bones and other injuries (like sprains) 
• Bursitis (joint inflammation caused by overuse) 
• Fibromyalgia (chronic musculoskeletal pain) 
• Gout (a form of inflammatory arthritis)
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) 
• Lupus (autoimmune disease) 
• Lyme Disease (a tick-borne illness)
• Osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis) 
• Rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune disease) 
• Tendinitis (inflammation of the tendons) 

While joint pain is rarely an emergency situation, keep an eye out for swelling, redness, tenderness, and warmth around the joint. If you experience these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor.

Whether you’re dealing with arthritis, post-surgery joint discomfort, or a chronic condition affecting your joints, our compassionate team will provide you with the necessary resources and treatment options to better understand and treat your pain.

Joint Pain Relief 

Treatment options for joint pain and stiffness vary and will depend on the root cause of the discomfort. Methods range from at-home care to surgical. Upon understanding your condition, we can create the best treatment regimens suited to your individual needs

These are some of the most common ways to find joint pain relief if you are experiencing joint pain all over your body:

• Heat or ice
• Acetaminophen or anti-inflammatory OTC drugs
• Exercise
• Weight loss
• Steroids
• Physical therapy
• Supportive aids
• Surgery 

You can help reduce joint inflammation and pain by taking medication as needed and changing your activities. Physical therapy and exercise will help you to maintain joint movement, build back muscle strength, and support your body’s overall function. 

Be mindful that while exercise and certain stretches may benefit your joint pain and stiffness, they can also cause more harm if not done properly. When you make an appointment with a physical therapist at one of our locations, we work with your body and take care not to put any additional stress on your painful joints. We will show you how to exercise in a safe and beneficial way. 

Just because joint pain and stiffness are common occurrences, it doesn’t mean you have to suffer. At Mid-County Physical Therapy, our professionals have experience treating joint pain and stiffness and can offer you joint pain relief from a number of causes. 

Is Joint pain and stiffness stopping you in your tracks? Contact us today and get the relief you need.