That joint pain has returned; the sharp sensation that feels like a constant burning all over your body. Every morning, the pain seems to worsen, and it doesn’t appear to be going away. It’s gotten to the point were getting up and trudging towards the kitchen to make breakfast seems like a mile walk.
Even for those seeking treatment for joint pain, the growing frustration of why this pain came to be in the first place is like ignoring the big elephant in the room.
The truth is, there are multiple underlying causes to different joint conditions. Knowing these causes are very beneficial, even for people who are already suffering from it, because it can help us learn how to manage the symptoms.
Here are some of the most common causes of joint pain.
Injuries and Joint Pain
Can you think of a time when you fell, got into a car accident, or suffered a critical injury due to a sport? Now several years later, you can feel a sharp pain in the exact same area where the injury occurred.
Even with extensive physical therapy, critical injuries may never fully heal.
The muscles and tendons may be strengthened, however if there is damage to ligaments or cartilage, these sometimes don’t always fully regenerate, and occasionally as we age, the same injured area can cause joint pain.
Overweight Issues Causing Joint Pain
People who have either been overweight in the past or are currently overweight are normally prone to developing joint pain later in life. The reason for this is because excessive weight puts a lot of added pressure on the muscles and joints.
Dr. Kevin Fontaine, Professor of Rheumatology at John Hopkins University said, “Being just 10 pounds overweight increases the forces on your knees by 30 to 40 pounds with every step that you take”¹.
If an individual continues to have weight issues throughout their life, this can lead inflammation in the joints to develop such as gout, arthritis, and osteoarthritis.
Can Genetics Cause Joint Pain?
Unfortunately, sometimes the causes of joint pain are completely out of our control, especially if they are hereditary.
Joint conditions that may be inherited include arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
The Cleveland Clinic explained that, “there are hereditary forms of osteoarthritis that are caused by mutations in genes for collagen”². Studies also show that about 40-65% of osteoarthritis cases contain a genetic component.
If you’re worried about developing joint pain in the future, it is strongly advised to review your family medical history.
Over-Exercising and your Joint Pain
Have you ever heard the saying “No Pain, No Gain”? Sure, it is normal to feel pain while exercising, however if your body is experiencing “too much pain” during a workout, this is not a good sign, and can be dangerous.
There is a difference between good and bad pain during a workout.
The good pain can be felt within the muscles and often lasts for about 24 hours to three days (depending on the intensity) after the workout.
Bad pain can also be felt within the muscles and in the pressure points of your body, and if the soreness exceeds the three day mark, it’s possible that your muscles and joints are over-worked.
If you workout and have bad technique or are not using the equipment properly, you can cause injury and possible joint pain. If you hear or feel your joints cracking, that is not good and is another sign of bad technique.
If you do not learn how to do the exercises properly, you will have an increased risk of developing joint pain in the future.
Bacteria in your Body
Many forms of joint pain can be caused by bacterial germs that we breathe in due to the toxins that are airborne or the foods that we consume.
Joint conditions such as Septic Arthritis, Bacterial Joint Inflammation, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Fibromyalgia can be caused due to bacteria within the body.
According to Science Daily, “scientists have found a correlation between chronic pain and alterations in the gut microbiome”³.
Bacteria that seep into the body has a potential of causing infections throughout the body, including irritations to inflamed areas.
It is highly recommended for patients to limit the amount of bacteria that their body consumes to prevent continuous infections that may make a difference in an individual’s joint pain.
Cognitive Issues and Increased Risk
Studies show that those who have suffered from cognitive issues such as anxiety, depression or constant migraines are at a higher risk of developing joint pain.
An article published by Towson Orthopaedic Associates stated that “aches and pains are common symptoms of stress”4 and the National Library of Medicine said, “exposure to a stress-related disorder was significantly associated with increased risk of subsequent autoimmune disease”5 such as Rheumatoid Arthritis.
This is a result of the body releasing antibodies to fight off what it believes is an infection when really it’s healthy tissue.
Addressing Your Joint Pain
Dealing with any type of joint condition can be daunting, and many ask “why me?” Sadly, for some people, it may be out of their control.
As we age there are preventative measures you can take to ensure you don’t suffer from joint pain.
At LifeWorks Wellness Center, we find the root cause of your joint pain even if it just started or if you’ve been suffering with it for years.
Treatment includes removing all toxins and bacteria from the body, which will reduce the risk of inflammation in the joints and Prolozone Therapy where it helps repair the connective tissue in the joint.
If you are suffering from joint pain or any kind of joint condition, please call us at 727-466-6789 to schedule an appointment.
References:
- The Arthritis Diet: How Excess Weight Damages Your Joints (webmd.com)
- Is Arthritis Hereditary? – Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic
- Gut bacteria associated with chronic pain for first time: People with fibromyalgia show variations in microbiome composition — ScienceDaily
- Why Does Stress and Anxiety Cause Joint Pain? | Towson Orthopaedic Associates
- Association of Stress-Related Disorders With Subsequent Autoimmune Disease – PubMed (nih.gov)
