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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W Y

Skeleton The structure of a joint

Overview Treatment

Joint pain

Alternative Names:

Stiffness in a joint; Pain - joints; Arthralgia

Home Care:

Follow prescribed therapy in treating the underlying cause.

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For nonarthritis joint pain, both rest and exercise are important. Warm baths, massage, and stretching exercises should be used as frequently as possible.

Anti-inflammatory medications may help relieve pain and swelling. Consult your health care provider before giving aspirin or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen to children.

Call your health care provider if:

• Fever is not associated with flu symptoms
• You have involuntary weight loss of 10 pounds or more
• The joint pain persists beyond 3 days
• You have severe, unexplained joint pain especially if accompanied by other unexplained symptoms

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

Your health care provider will perform a physical examination. The following questions may help your provider identify the cause of your joint pain:

• Which joint hurts? Is the pain on one side or both sides?
• How long have you been having this pain? Have you had it before?
• Did this pain begin suddenly and severely -- or slowly and mildly?
• Is the pain constant or does it come and go? Has the pain become more severe?
• What started your pain -- have you injured your joint?
• Have you had an illness or fever?
• Does resting the joint reduce the pain or make it worse?
• Does moving the joint reduce the pain or make it worse?
• Are certain positions comfortable? Does keeping the joint elevated help?
• Do medications, massage, or applying heat reduce the pain?
• What other symptoms do you have?
• Is there any numbness?
• Can you bend and straighten the joint? Does the joint feel stiff?

• Blood studies -- CBC or blood differential
• Joint x-ray

Physical therapy for muscle and joint rehabilitation may be recommended.

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