Constant pain in bones and joints may not only be a sign of increasing age or fatigue, but also of some internal disease. If the pain persists for more than 20-25 days, then a doctor should be contacted immediately. Timely examination and proper treatment can not only relieve pain, but serious diseases can also be avoided.
We all have felt mild pain in some part of the body at some time or the other, but if the pain in bones and joints persists, then ignoring it can be dangerous. This is not just the effect of fatigue or age, but can also be a symptom of some serious disease. Let us know from an orthopedic doctor what can be the reasons behind such pain, which diseases it can indicate and which tests are necessary for correct investigation.
If you have frequent pain in your knees, waist, back, shoulders or joints of hands and feet, difficulty in walking or climbing stairs, then this is not a normal pain. Dr. Anchal Uppal of the Orthopedic Department at Sarvodaya Hospital explains that if there is constant pain in bones and joints, then it can be a sign of many problems. For this, it is important that you first get your body's vitamin B12 and D levels checked. Their deficiency can also cause this pain.
If their report comes normal in the test, then on the advice of the doctor, you will have to get many other blood tests done like RA factor and other blood tests. These will give information about inflammation or any infection in the body. If needed, CT scan or MRI may also have to be done. The doctor will decide all this on the basis of your symptoms and disease.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a common disease that causes inflammation and pain in the joints of the bones. These include osteoarthritis (common in the elderly), rheumatoid arthritis (disease related to the immune system). Stiffness of joints as soon as one wakes up in the morning is its main symptom.
Osteoporosis
In this, the bones become weak and start breaking easily. This disease is especially seen more in women after the age of 40. Constant pain in the waist or back can be a sign of this.
Lupus
This is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own healthy cells. Apart from joints, skin, kidneys and heart can also be affected in this.
Increase in uric acid
If there is sudden severe pain or swelling in the toes, ankles or knees, then it can be a sign of increase in uric acid. This is also a serious joint disease.
Which tests are necessary?
If there is constant pain in the joints or bones, then it is necessary to get some necessary tests done after consulting a doctor. Such as blood test (CBC, ESR, CRP). It detects inflammation, infection or immune system disorder in the body. RA Factor and ANA Test- This test is done to detect diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Vitamin D and calcium test- To know the condition of bone strength.
DEXA scan- To check bone density, which detects osteoporosis.
X-ray / MRI- To closely observe the condition of bones and joints.
What do doctors say
Orthopedic specialist Dr. Anchal Uppal says that if the pain persists for more than three weeks, do not try to cure it with home remedies. Immediately contact an orthopedic specialist and get the right tests done. If the disease is detected in time, then the treatment becomes easy.
Changes in lifestyle and diet
Apart from this, Dr Uppal says that if your diet and lifestyle are improved, then this disease can be avoided to a great extent. For example, include vitamin D, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. Do light exercise or yoga daily so that the movement of joints remains. Keep your weight under control because excess weight increases pressure on the knees. Do not sit or stand in the same position for a long time.
