Can anyone experience joint pain?
Joint pain affects everyone, from children to senior citizens. Certain activities, like playing sports or exercising, might increase your risk, but so can routine activities like walking and typing.
Most people experience joint pain at one time or another. In most cases, it improves in a few days with rest and other at-home treatments. If your symptoms continue or worsen, contact Woudsma Chiropractic Associates.
Does joint pain indicate a more serious medical issue?
Mild joint pain usually isn’t something to worry about, but chronic joint pain may indicate an underlying condition, including:
- Bursitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
- Tendinitis
- Viral infection
Sometimes, joint pain occurs after an injury, like a car accident or falling off a ladder.
When should I see a chiropractor about joint pain?
Make an appointment with the Woudsma Chiropractic Associates team if your joint pain occurs alongside any of the following:
- Loss of motion
- Difficulty bending or extending the joint
- Numbness
- Swelling
- A joint that’s red or hot to the touch
If you have a broken bone or dislocated joint, you might hear a crunching or popping sound when moving it.
How does a chiropractor diagnose joint pain?
Your Woudsma Chiropractic Associates provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including what the pain feels like and if it’s worse during certain activities or at specific times of the day.
They examine your joint for redness, swelling, or bruising and gently press on your skin to identify sensitive areas. Your chiropractor tests your joint’s range of motion and orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or an ultrasound, to get a closer look at your bones and the surrounding soft tissues.
How do chiropractors treat joint pain?
The Woudsma Chiropractic Associates team treats joint pain using a holistic and conservative approach. They may suggest:
- Massage therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Stretch-exercise therapy
- Medical weight loss
- Nutrition counseling
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
A combination of several treatments can reduce swelling, improve your mobility, and help you return to the activities you love.
What if my joint pain continues, even after chiropractic care?
Sometimes healthy lifestyle changes and chiropractic adjustments aren’t enough to provide lasting relief from joint pain. If necessary, the Woudsma Chiropractic Associates team can refer you to an orthopedic specialist nearby.
Call Woudsma Chiropractic Associates to schedule chiropractic treatment for joint pain, or book your appointment online today.
