Joint pain ranges from mild to severe, and it can limit daily activities. Understanding the underlying causes of joint pain, especially the role of inflammation, is a key step in managing the condition and finding appropriate care. Inflammation is a natural process, but when it becomes chronic, it can cause persistent problems in the body’s joints. Here is more information about the role of inflammation in joint pain:
Driver of Joint Pain
Inflammation is a response from the body’s immune system. When the body detects an injury or foreign invader, it sends inflammatory cells to the affected area. This response causes swelling and redness, and it is meant to protect and heal the body. Sometimes, this response mistakenly targets the body’s own tissues, including the joint linings, leading to chronic inflammation. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis are examples of this autoimmune reaction.
Damage to Tissue
Persistent inflammation may cause long-term damage to joint tissues. Over time, the inflammatory chemicals may wear down the cartilage that cushions your joints. This smooth tissue allows bones to glide over each other with little friction, so its deterioration leads to pain and stiffness. The bones may start to rub directly against each other.
Ligaments and tendons may also stretch and weaken, which reduces support for the joint. The joint may become unstable and lose its alignment. In some cases, the inflammation may also erode the bone itself, causing permanent joint damage and deformity. The body’s own protective mechanisms start to contribute to the problem they were meant to solve.
The ongoing inflammatory response creates a difficult cycle. Pain signals may trigger more inflammation, which in turn causes more pain and tissue damage. This cycle makes it challenging to manage joint-related conditions without intervention. Breaking this pattern may be a focus of treatment, as it helps reduce both the symptoms and the progression of joint damage.
Steroids for Relief
Doctors sometimes prescribe corticosteroids to manage joint inflammation. These medications are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that mimic the effects of hormones your body produces naturally. They work by reducing immune system activity, thereby reducing the production of inflammatory chemicals. You may receive these medications orally, or they may be injected directly into a joint.
Steroid injections deliver medication directly to the site of pain. This targeted approach provides localized relief, and it may minimize exposure to the rest of the body. While you get relief from the injection, the effects are temporary.
Injections To Lubricate
Injections are another treatment option for certain types of joint pain, particularly in the knee. In some cases, these injections contain natural substances found in the fluid that surrounds your joints. It helps lubricate the joints, and it can act as a shock absorber.
These injections may help with:
- Reducing pain
- Improving mobility
- Supplementing joint fluid
The procedure involves injecting the substance directly into the joint space. When you need relief, the treatment series might involve several shots over several weeks. The goal is to restore the cushioning and lubricating properties of the fluid, which allows the bones to move more smoothly over each other.
Get Treated for Joint Pain
Managing joint pain involves addressing the underlying inflammation. Different treatments target this process in various ways, from systemic medications to localized injections. A healthcare provider can diagnose the cause of your joint pain, and they will recommend a path forward based on your individual health needs. Contact a pain specialist today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.