Joint Pain? Arthritis? Get Help From Urgent Care Clinics

We rarely pause to reflect on the dexterity and usefulness of our joints in helping us accomplish out daily tasks. During every activity  ranging from small tasks such as eating, walking or writing to more complex ones such as driving, dancing or swimming, multiple joints are in action to enable smooth and effortless physical movement. Then one day, joint pain decides to pay you a visit and your life may never be the same again. 

The cause of joint pain can be anything from injury, strain or infection to gout, bursitis or arthritis. The issue is more widespread than you would imagine, with about one third of adult population in the US complaining of joint pain on any given day. The pain may range from uncomfortable and annoying to intense and debilitating depending on which joint is affected and what the real cause is. If joint pain is making your life difficult, it is time to consult a doctor at your nearest urgent care clinic. 

Is it arthritis?

Arthritis is among the leading causes of joint pain in adults. It refers to joint inflammation that can cause pain and swelling in joints in addition to restricted movements of the affected joints. There are different types of arthritis that can cause varying symptoms and pain levels. Visiting doctor medical clinic near Arlington is a reliable way to get your joint pain precisely diagnosed. It will help understand if your joint pain is a short-term one due to sudden injury or a chronic one caused by arthritis. Based on the diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe medications and suggest physiotherapy. 

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis that usually affects joints in the knees, hips and shoulders. With repeated use of joints over the years, the connective tissues between joints wear away and the bones come into direct contact during movements, causing pain and swelling. Over time, these joints turn stiff and can be extremely inconvenient for affected individuals. Seeking help at medical office near Arlington can help you manage the pain and swelling associated with osteoarthritis. 

Although older adults are most affected by osteoporosis, a considerable number of athletes also suffer from this condition. This is a result of repeated practice involving the same movements of joints leading to wear and tear of cartilage that keeps bones separate. Osteoarthritis is also rampant among overweight individuals since there is additional strain on the joints from excess weight. In such cases, the doctor medical clinic near Arlington may advise you to lose weight. 

Managing pain due to osteoarthritis

Remember that osteoarthritis cannot be cured. However, there are effective ways of managing the joint pain associated with the condition. Some of these include:

• Maintaining ideal weight
• Taking up exercises recommended by your doctor
• Avoiding activities or movements that may cause further damage to affected joints
• Using ice packs or heat to relieve pain
• Wearing specifically designed shoes or other equipment to protect joints from overstrain. 

Your doctor at the urgent care medical office near Arlington may also prescribe medications or topical treatments to reduce inflammation, swelling and pain in joints. Follow the advice of your doctors carefully to prevent arthritis from disrupting your life.