#>LiVeWell Senior's Health A NEWSLETTER WITH IMPORTANT HEALTH INFORMATION FOR SENIORS LiVe-Well—Manage Joint Pain (source: www.webmd, www.medicinenet.com, www.mayoclinic.org) August 2014 Joints form a connection between your bones. They provide support and help you move. Any damage to the joints through injury, disease, and natural wear can cause pain during movement. Joint pain is remarkably common. In one national survey, about one-third of adults reported joint pain within the last 30 days. Knee pain was the most common complaint followed by shoulder and hip. Joint pain is not unusual especially as you age. There are many conditions that can lead to painful joints, such as, bursitis, gout, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, broken bones, and other injuries. The pain can range from mildly irritating to joint pain severe enough making it impossible to move the joint. The pain may go away within a few weeks (acute), or could last several weeks or months (chronic). Even short term bouts of pain and swelling can affect your quality of life. You should see your doctor if your joint pain is accompanied by: • Swelling • Redness • Tenderness and warmth around the joint • Pain persists for 3 days or more See your doctor immediately if you are experiencing pain due to an injury and is accompanied by: • Joint deformity • Inability to use the joint • Intense pain • Sudden swelling You doctor will ask you a series of questions about your joint pain, he/she may also take x-rays of the joint and a blood test will help screen for certain autoimmune disorders. Treatment will depend on the cause of the pain. Early detection and diagnosis can uncover the underlying cause of your pain and allow for effective treatment. ^M^ Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital