Some Common Causes of Joint Pain
The adult human body has between 250 and 350 joints, depending on how you define them. Some are immovable, like those of the skull. Others are only capable of limited movement, such as that between the ribs and the sternum. The remainder are of various types, but it is the hips, knees, and shoulders that have the broadest range of motion and most frequently require surgery to relieve joint pain.
There are many reasons why a person might experience pain in a joint. Some, like a sprained ankle, require little more than rest, an ice pack, and some Panado tablets for a full recovery, while others may need help from a joint specialist and could even require surgery.
The following sections will provide insight into some of the most common causes of chronic hip, knee and shoulder pain and their potential effect on one’s quality of life if left untreated.
Joint Pain Affecting the Hip
Several conditions can cause pain and swelling of the pelvic girdle. Some, like bursitis, inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that prevent tendons and muscles from rubbing against bone, or a strained tendon (tendonitis), only require palliative treatments. Rest, ice packs and anti-inflammatory and pain medication usually work fine. However, the following conditions invariably require treatment by a joint specialist:
- Osteoarthritis: In this condition, the pain results from bone-on-bone contact due to the progressive erosion of the protective cartilage layer on the articulating surfaces. Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition leading to gradual loss of mobility, increased pain levels, and, eventually, the need for joint replacement surgery.
- Labral tears: Tears to the labrum, a ring of cartilage surrounding the hip socket to keep the femur in place, are common among athletes. A joint specialist can perform a minimally invasive procedure to repair the torn labrum and smooth the damaged bone.
Joint Pain in The Knee
Osteoarthritis is also the most common reason for a total knee replacement, and if not diagnosed and treated, it will lead to lifelong disability. There are many other reasons a knee may become painful and swollen; some will also require surgery. For example:
- A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL): The ACL is one of four ligaments that secure the femur to the tibia and can often be torn when playing sports that involve quick changes in direction.
- A torn meniscus: A sudden twist of your knee when bearing your full weight can cause tears to this pad of cartilage that serves as a shock absorber between the thigh and shin bones.
Joint Pain Involving the Shoulder
Overuse of any joint can cause pain, and the shoulder is no exception. Other conditions like dislocations, fractures, bursitis, tendonitis or a frozen shoulder generally don’t require a joint specialist. However, specialised surgery is frequently essential to treat osteoarthritis and:
- Rotator cuff tears: The term refers to the group of muscles and tendons that hold the arm in place and enable it to be raised overhead. Tears are painful and usually result from overuse or ageing.
Joint pain often comes and goes, but if it persists and worsens, it’s time to seek professional help. Contact Dr Jan de Vos, a leading orthopaedic surgeon and specialist in arthroscopy and hip, knee and shoulder replacements at the Wilgers Life Hospital in Pretoria.
