Joint Pain

By Jon Stiffler PTA/Sports Center Manager

Joint Pain Overview

Joint pain can be caused by any injury or condition affecting any of the ligaments, bursae, or tendons surrounding the joint. Also, it can occur naturally as people age, and may be affected by their level of physical activity. It can be linked to arthritis, bursitis, and muscle pain. No matter what causes the joint pain can be very bothersome.

The intensity of pain ranges from mild to severe. You may only experience it after certain activities, or it can start to limit movement, and make the ability to bear weight painful.

Joint pain can be treated by an orthopedic specialist or physical therapist.

Pain in the shoulder joint is a common, yet fixable problem.

Causes of Joint Pain

The following conditions are common causes of joint pain:

  • Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
  • Broken Bones.
  • Bursitis.
  • Chondromalacia of the patellae.
  • Crystals in the joint such as gout (mainly found in the big toe).
  • Dislocations.
  • Fibromyalgia.
  • Injury, such as a fracture.
  • Leukemia.
  • Lupus.
  • Osteoarthritis.
  • Osteomyelitis (bone infection).
  • Septic arthritis (joint infection).
  • Sprains.
  • Tendinitis.
  • Unusual exertion or overuse, including strains or sprains of muscles or ligaments.
Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Shoulder osteoarthritis

Treatment of Joint Pain 

If the pain is mild, you may be able to try some at home remedies:

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium may be able to help.
  • Avoid activities that cause the pain.
  • Use the RICE protocol:
    • Rest.
    • Ice.
    • Compression.
    • Elevation.
  • Apply a heating pad, or soak the joint in a warm tub to relax muscles and increase circulation.
  • To read other treatment options, please read conservative treatment options from JOI Rehab.

JOI and JOI Rehab

JOI Physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. This is another option to make it more convenient to make new patient appointments with less phone hold times. Follow the link below to select your JOI MD and schedule online.

You can still call 904-JOI-2000 to make new patient JOI Physician Appointments if that is your preference.

To make appointments with JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.

Book An Appointment with a JOI Physician

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By: Jon Stiffler, PTA/Sports Center Manager