Chronic Joint Pain Treatment Tucson

Chronic joint pain is a common condition for men who suffer from arthritis and other rheumatic conditions like fibromyalgia. It can have a negative effect on a man’s sense of wellbeing, and it can drain your ability to work effectively, stay active, and enjoy life. Chronic joint pain can lead to ongoing health issues like problems with sleep, depression, fatigue, and anxiety. If you or a loved one is suffering from chronic joint pain due to a health condition or injury, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. At The Men’s Vitality Center in Tucson, we offer a variety of specialized treatments for men who suffer from chronic pain. Contact our men’s healthcare physicians to schedule an appointment about your chronic pain today!

What Causes Joint Pain?

As humans, our joints are highly sensitive. Joints are the places in your body where your bones connect with each other, like your wrists, knees, hips, and fingers. As we go about our daily routine, we can cause harm to our body and joints through abrupt and repetitive movements. While there are multiple treatment methods used to remedy joint pain, treatments will be specialized and varied for each individual. Let’s look at a few common reasons men suffer from joint pain.

Arthritis

According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC), around 50 million people in the United States suffer from arthritis. Translated from its Greek and Latin roots, arthritis actually means inflammation of the joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, which tend to get worse with age. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be beneficial to reach out to your primary care physician at Men’s Vitality Center. Your doctor can perform a physical exam to check for fluid around your joints, and to refer you to a specialist if needed.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis that causes the deterioration of joint cartilage in your underlying bone. It is most common in middle-aged men, and it can cause severe joint pain in the hip or knees. The symptoms of this condition can be managed effectively by staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the lining of your joints. It is a condition that primarily affects the hands and feet, and it can lead to swelling and bone erosion when it is not treated properly.

Arthritis Treatment

The primary goal of arthritis treatment is to reduce the amount of pain you’re experiencing, while preventing additional damage to your joints. Some people find heating pads and ice packs to be helpful, and others use mobility scooters and assistance devices like canes or walkers to help take some of the pressure off of their joints. There are a number of medications you can take at home to help relieve symptoms of arthritis such as:

  • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) – These drugs can include ibuprofen (Advil) and salicylates to help control pain and inflammation in the joints. Salicylates can thin your blood, so it should be used with caution.
  • Analgesics – These drugs include vicodin or acetaminophen (Tylenol), and they can be very effective for pain management, but they won’t do much for inflammation.
  • Menthol or Capsaicin Creams – These items can help block the transmission of pain signals from your joints.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a common and complex chronic pain disorder that can cause widespread pain and tenderness in the body. The pain associated with this condition is often described as a constant dull ache that lasts for at least three months. In order for the pain to be considered widespread, it must occur on both sides of your body, and above and below your waist. Those affected by fibromyalgia often experience what is known as “fibro fog,” which impairs your ability to focus and concentrate on mental tasks.

Fibromyalgia Treatments

There are several medications and alternative medicines that can help reduce the pain associated with fibromyalgia like:

  • Pain Relievers– Many over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium can help relieve joint discomfort.
  • Antidepressants – Some doctors may prescribe duloxetine (Cymbalta) and milnacipran to help ease the pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia.
  • Acupuncture – This Chinese medical practice has been known to help relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that can affect many parts of the body including the joints, kidneys, brain, and skin. It occurs when your body’s immune system starts to attack your own tissues and organs. It can lead to excess joint pain, fatigue, hair loss, and even kidney issues. Some of the most common signs of lupus include fever, fatigue, joint pain and stiffness, chest pain, and dry eyes.

Lupus Treatments

The treatment of your lupus will depend on your individual signs and symptoms. There are some common medications used to control lupus, including:

  • NSAIDs – These drugs can include ibuprofen and salicylates to help control pain and inflammation in the joints. Salicylates can thin your blood, so it should be used with caution.
  • Antimalarial Drugs – These are medications that are commonly used to treat malaria, such as hydroxychloroquine. Side effects of this drug may include an upset stomach and possible damage to the retina of the eye.

At The Men’s Vitality Center in Tucson, we’ve helped hundreds of men relieve and diminish symptoms of chronic joint pain and we would love to do the same for you. Contact our physicians today to schedule an appointment!