Joint Pain

Joint pain is a common musculoskeletal problem that affects about one-third of adults. If you regularly experience joint pain and it doesn’t respond to conservative treatments, don’t wait to seek professional help. At his orthopedic clinic in Munster, Indiana, Nikhil Pandhi, D.O., M.P.H., uses advanced technology and techniques to safely and effectively relieve joint pain. Call the office or book an appointment online today to find relief for joint pain. 

What is joint pain?

Joint pain refers to any stiffness, discomfort, or aching in any of your body’s joints. Joints are where two bones meet. They allow you to move and perform routine tasks, such as lifting, reaching, and throwing.

Frequently, joint pain occurs due to overuse or wear-and-tear. However, if your pain gets worse or persists, it may point to a more serious underlying health problem like arthritis.

What are the symptoms of joint pain?

The symptoms of joint pain depend on the underlying cause. Common indications include:

• Red or swollen joints
• Joints that are tender or warm to the touch
• Pain that lasts for three days or longer
• Swelling
• Neck pain
• Arm pain
• Shoulder pain

If you have severe joint pain, you might also find it difficult to move around or place weight on the affected joint.

What are some common causes of joint pain?

Joint pain occurs for many reasons. Some of the most common causes include auto injuries, sports-related injuries, and slip-and-fall accidents at work. 

Others include frozen shoulder, bursitis, and poor posture. For example, if your job requires you to sit in front of a computer for long hours, you might experience joint pain due to slouching. 

How is joint pain diagnosed?

To diagnose joint pain, Dr. Pandhi reviews your medical history and conducts a comprehensive physical exam. He asks about your symptoms and lifestyle, including how often you exercise, the type of diet you eat, and the type of work you do. 

He also has you stand up and walk around the exam room, performing a series of range-of-motion exercises.

If these measures don’t provide enough information, Dr. Pandhi might order digital X-rays, an ultrasound, or an MRI. These diagnostic imaging tools offer detailed pictures of your bones, joints, and soft tissues to help guide treatment.

How is joint pain treated?

Treatment for joint pain depends on the severity of your symptoms and their effect on your quality of life. Dr. Pandhi offers conservative treatments as well as minimally invasive and surgical procedures, such as:

• Joint injections
• Cartilage restoration
• Sports medicine
• Ergonomics coaching
• Joint replacement surgery

You might also benefit from a series of chiropractic adjustments spaced several weeks apart. Chiropractic adjustments use manual manipulation to realign your spine, improve circulation, and ease the pain. Dr. Pandhi can recommend you to a local chiropractor to help you through rehabilitative exercises. 

Call Nikhil Pandhi D.O., M.P.H., today or book an appointment online to learn more about joint pain.