Joint pain is typically presented as something to be expected in adults over a certain age. Currently, around 31% of adults aged 50 to 80 have mild joint pain, 31% have moderate pain, and 8% battle severe pain. Globally, approximately 595 million people have osteoarthritis, accounting for nearly 8% of the global population. While osteoarthritis is the most common cause of joint pain, many other conditions also cause this symptom, including rheumatoid arthritis, gout, tendinitis, autoimmune conditions such as lupus, and bursitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints). Even physical activity can lead to pain if repetitive stress or overuse is involved. How, then, do you know when it’s time to see a specialist about joint pain or discomfort?
Your primary care physician is always the first line of defense, as they can conduct an initial evaluation, order blood work and X-rays, manage basic pain medication, and determine which specialist you should see first. Based on the findings, your GP may already be able to recommend that you conduct research into possible treatments, ranging from physical therapy and injections to surgical procedures, such as total knee replacement, also known as TKR knee surgery. They may suggest key reading material that can help you consider different options, assess recovery time, and prepare questions before visiting a professional, such as an orthopedic surgeon or rheumatologist.
One vital sign that you may need the help of a specialist is pain that lasts longer than six weeks and fails to improve after conservative measures like rest, ice, and over-the-counter medication. You should also be on the lookout for worsening pain. If your discomfort steadily progresses in intensity instead of improving over time, you may need specialist treatment. The severity of pain is another red flag. If your pain is so intense that it wakes you up from sleep or is accompanied by signs of infection and inflammation (including fever, redness, and feeling hot), obtain help without delay. Also, be on the lookout for stiffness in the joints that lasts for an hour or more after waking up. This is a sign of an inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, and it will require specialist evaluation.
Pain isn’t the only sign of problems with joints. Sometimes, loss of function or visible changes in appearance are indicative of the need to seek specialist treatment. If you experience a loss of range of motion—for instance, you find it difficult to bend or straighten a joint fully—your ability to perform daily tasks, such as getting dressed or reaching for high items, may be impacted. Another sign to watch out for is joint instability; if a joint feels weak, wobbly, or as if it might give out when weight is applied, you may have ligament or cartilage issues that require treatment by an orthopedic specialist. In some cases, joint issues can result in visible deformity, such as joints that become misshapen or misaligned. It is essential to seek help before problems escalate and lead to falls or injuries.
When it comes to joint pain, any persistent or intense pain should be mentioned to a general practitioner. Some issues can be addressed through relatively conservative measures such as rest and ice. Others, however, may require surgical approaches or therapy. The results of neglecting joint pain range from difficulties with everyday tasks to falls and injuries, which is why seeking help sooner rather than later is recommended.
