Joint Pain Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Joint pain or rheumatism is a pain disorder in the joints of the body, which is caused by inflammation. Complaints of joint pain can be accompanied by a feeling of stiffness in the joints, redness, and swelling that occurs in the morning, which is not caused by a collision or accident.
The results of Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia in 2013 estimated that 11.9% of Indonesia’s population was diagnosed with joint disease.
Symptom
In addition to complaints of pain in the joints that are both experienced by sufferers of arthritis, the characteristics of joint pain and other complaints that arise can vary, depending on the type of underlying disease.
In osteoarthritis, joint pain that occurs generally is as follows:
- Joint pain occurs with activity (mechanical pain).
- The pain is accompanied by redness and swelling of the joints.
- Pain is associated with increasing body weight and increasing age.
- It most often occurs in large joints, such as the knee or hip.
- Usually occurs on one side only (left or right).
In rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain that occurs generally is as follows:
- Joint pain occurs in the morning.
- Joint pain is accompanied by a feeling of stiffness in the joints.
- It most often occurs in small joints, such as the fingers.
- Generally occurs symmetrically on both sides of the affected body part.
- More often found in women.
In gouty arthritis, joint pain that occurs generally is as follows:
- Joint pain is most often found in the big toe.
- Pain can be accompanied by a lump in the joint (tofus).
- Joint pain is associated with high uric acid levels.
Reason
The causes of joint pain can vary, depending on the type. Here are some of the most common causes of joint pain:
1. Osteoarthritis
Joint pain from osteoarthritis can be associated with certain risk factors, such as increased body weight and increasing age.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis
Joint pain due to rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women, and is associated with an autoimmune inflammatory process – that is, the body’s immune system attacks the joints because they are perceived as unknown foreign bodies.
3. Gouty arthritis
Joint pain due to gouty arthritis is associated with increased levels of uric acid in the body.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of joint pain is determined by the doctor based on the results of medical interviews and physical examinations. Investigations can also be carried out, depending on the direction of the diagnosis.
In the case of gouty arthritis, investigations that can be carried out are an examination of uric acid levels in the blood, as well as a microscopic examination of the joint fluid to see if there are deposits of uric acid crystals.
In the case of osteoarthritis, a supporting examination that can be done is an X-ray examination or X-rays of the joint that is experiencing pain.
In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, investigations that can be carried out are an examination of rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), and c-reactive protein (CRP).
Treatment
In general, joint pain can be treated with pain medications. If joint pain does not go away with pain medication, the patient is advised to consult a doctor. The goal is to find out the underlying cause and the appropriate treatment.
In joint pain due to osteoarthritis, doctors will usually provide drugs that can reduce the inflammatory process. This measure can also be combined with weight loss strategies, such as adjusting diet and physical activity for people with osteoarthritis who are overweight.
In joint pain due to rheumatoid arthritis, the doctor will give anti-rheumatoid drugs, and several classes of drugs to reduce the inflammatory process.
In joint pain due to gouty arthritis, there are several categories of drugs used such as drugs to reduce the inflammatory process or drugs to lower uric acid levels in the body.
Prevention
Prevention of joint pain depends on the cause because each type of joint pain has different prevention techniques.
In the case of osteoarthritis, maintaining a stable body weight, and exercising the quadriceps muscles in the thighs can help prevent osteoarthritis in the knees.
In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, adopting a healthy lifestyle, staying away from smoking and alcohol is the most effective way to prevent complaints from occurring.
Whereas in the case of gouty arthritis, prevention can be done by keeping uric acid levels within normal limits, by limiting the intake of foods that contain purines.