Treatment for Joint Pain

Joint pain is one of the most common chronic conditions, affecting people of all ages. Whether it stems from arthritis, injury, or overuse, joint discomfort can interfere with your ability to move, work, and enjoy daily life. If joint pain is limiting your mobility, a pain doctor at The Pain Experts of Arizona can help you get back to living fully. We proudly serve Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa with advanced, non-surgical and surgical options for joint pain relief.

Joint Pain Overview

The human body contains over 250 joints, all designed to provide movement and support. While some joints offer a full range of motion, others are more limited—but all are vulnerable to pain. Joint pain, or arthralgia, may involve the bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, or bursae within the joint.

At The Pain Experts of Arizona, our pain specialists use a comprehensive approach to evaluate your symptoms and determine the most effective treatment to restore comfort and function.

Symptoms of Joint Pain

Joint pain symptoms often start gradually, with mild stiffness or discomfort that worsens over time. In some cases, the pain begins suddenly following injury or overuse. Common signs of joint pain include:

• Redness, warmth, or swelling around the joint

• Joint stiffness or tightness, especially in the morning

• A grinding or popping sensation with movement

• Weakness in the affected limb

• Locking or instability in the joint

• Pain that worsens after activity or long periods of rest

If you’re experiencing these symptoms in your knees, hips, shoulders, wrists, or smaller joints like fingers and toes, it’s time to consult a pain specialist at our clinic.

Diagnosing Joint Pain

To effectively treat joint pain, your pain doctor must identify the root cause. Diagnosis typically begins with a physical examination and medical history review, including details about prior injuries, family history of arthritis, and activity level.

In some cases, further diagnostic tests may be required:

• X-rays to assess bone structure and signs of arthritis

• MRI or CT scans to evaluate soft tissues and cartilage

• Blood tests to check for autoimmune markers or infections

• Joint fluid analysis to rule out conditions like gout

• Nerve tests for pain radiating into surrounding areas

Our team at the pain clinic will use these tools to create a personalized treatment plan based on your diagnosis and functional needs.

Causes of Joint Pain

Joint pain can be caused by several conditions, ranging from mild to severe. Common causes include:

• Osteoarthritis – Wear and tear of cartilage due to aging or repetitive use

• Rheumatoid arthritis – An autoimmune condition that causes joint inflammation

• Psoriatic arthritis – A form of arthritis associated with psoriasis

• Tendon or ligament injuries – Often from sports or overuse

• Bursitis – Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs near joints

• Gout – A buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints

• Post-traumatic joint pain – Following fractures or dislocations

At our Phoenix location, patients frequently seek treatment for osteoarthritis in the knees, while our Scottsdale office sees a higher volume of shoulder and wrist-related cases from active lifestyles.

Joint Pain Treatment Options

Once the underlying cause is identified, your pain doctor will recommend the most appropriate treatment. At The Pain Experts of Arizona, we focus on minimally invasive options whenever possible, with surgery considered only when necessary.

Lifestyle Modifications

For many patients in Gilbert, modifying daily habits is a powerful first step. This includes adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, managing weight, and engaging in low-impact activities. Reducing pressure on joints through these changes often leads to significant pain relief.

Supplements and Natural Remedies

Fish oil, curcumin (found in turmeric), and eucalyptus have shown promise in reducing inflammation and pain. Patients in Mesa often report improvements after incorporating these supplements alongside traditional therapies.

Heat and Cold Therapy

Alternating heat and ice can ease pain and stiffness. Heat loosens muscles and improves circulation, while cold reduces inflammation—both especially useful after activity or during flare-ups.

Gentle Exercise

Exercise keeps joints lubricated and muscles strong. Yoga, swimming, and tai chi are particularly beneficial, especially for those with arthritis. These low-impact movements improve balance, mobility, and resilience.

Over-the-Counter and Prescription Medications

OTC NSAIDs like ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and provide short-term relief. For more severe cases, prescription medications such as stronger NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, or certain antidepressants may be used under medical supervision.

Joint Injections

Steroid injections provide targeted relief from inflammation and pain. These minimally invasive treatments are commonly used for knee, shoulder, or hip pain and can be repeated a few times per year for chronic conditions.

Surgical Intervention

When conservative measures no longer offer relief, surgery may be recommended. Common procedures include arthroscopy, joint repair, and joint replacement (especially for the hip or knee). Patients from Scottsdale and Mesa often seek surgical options after trying injections and physical therapy.

Types of Joint Pain

The most frequent joint pain conditions treated at our clinic include:

• Osteoarthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Gout

• Psoriatic arthritis

• Lupus-related joint pain

• Tendinitis and bursitis

• Post-injury joint degeneration

Understanding the exact type helps us match you with the most effective treatment plan.

Facts About Joint Pain

• Roughly 15 million Americans suffer from severe joint pain each year.

• Joint pain most commonly affects the knees, followed by the shoulders and hips.

• Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce the burden on weight-bearing joints.

• Early intervention can prevent long-term joint damage and reduce the need for surgery.

If left untreated, joint pain can lead to loss of function, chronic inflammation, and reduced quality of life. Getting a diagnosis early from a qualified pain specialist is key to long-term relief.

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Contact The Pain Experts of Arizona Today

Joint pain can hold you back from work, exercise, and simple daily activities—but it doesn’t have to. Whether you’re dealing with arthritis, an old injury, or chronic inflammation, a pain doctor at The Pain Experts of Arizona can help you find the right solution. We proudly serve Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa with personalized treatment plans for lasting relief.

Call us today at 480-950-9393 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward feeling better.

The Pain Experts of Arizona – Your Partners in Pain Relief and Recovery.

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