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  • Joint Pain Q&A

What is joint pain? 


Joint pain is a common source of discomfort and may affect any joint in your body, including your hands, wrists, elbows, knees, shoulders, hips, or ankles.

The severity of joint pain may vary. However, any type of pain affecting a mobile joint can make everyday activities difficult. That is especially true for athletes that rely on the mobility of their joints to perform their sport.

Dr. Ghodadra specializes in sports medicine and offers innovative treatments for all types of joint pain to restore joint health and function. 


What causes joint pain? 


Any injury or disease that affects any component that makes up your joint may cause joint pain. Common causes of joint pain include:

  • Tendonitis
  • Tendon tear
  • Sprains and strains
  • Ligament tears
  • Arthritis
  • Cartilage tears or damage
  • Fractures
  • Bursitis

 

Arthritis is a common cause of joint pain. Athletes may be at risk of developing post-traumatic arthritis following an injury to a joint.


When should I seek medical care for joint pain? 


You may be able to manage some causes of joint pain with at-home care. However, if you develop joint pain after an acute injury, your joint pain is severe, or you have chronic joint pain, you should schedule an appointment at the office of NEIL GHODADRA, M.D. for an evaluation.


When you come in for joint pain, Dr. Ghodadra conducts a comprehensive patient-centered exam. He asks detailed questions about your symptoms, as well as your usual activities and medical history.


Dr. Ghodadra closely examines the joint or joints causing your pain, evaluating mobility, flexibility, and strength. To confirm or rule out a suspected cause of joint pain, Dr. Ghodadra may request diagnostic testing such as blood work, X-rays, or an MRI.


How is joint pain treated?


Dr. Ghodadra customizes your joint pain treatment plan based on the underlying cause of your discomfort, the severity of your symptoms, your usual activities, and your medical history. 

Initially, Dr. Ghodadra may recommend medical treatments to ease your pain, such as:

  • Rest, ice, elevation, and compression (RICE)
  • Activity modification
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Physical therapy
  • Splinting, bracing, or casting
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
  • Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) injections

 

However, when medical intervention fails to ease joint pain, Dr. Ghodadra may recommend surgery. 

He specializes in cartilage restoration and joint preserving surgical techniques that allow active individuals to continue with their athletic careers and recreational activities. Joint replacement is also an option in severe cases.