Constant pain in bones and joints may not only be a sign of aging or fatigue but may also be a sign of some internal disease. If the pain persists for more than 20-25 days, then you should immediately consult a doctor. Timely examination and proper treatment can not only provide relief from pain but can also prevent serious diseases.
We all have felt mild pain in some part of the body at some time or the other, but if the pain in the 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 could be the reasons behind this kind of pain, which diseases it can indicate and which tests are necessary for proper diagnosis.
If you have frequent pain in your knees, waist, back, shoulders or joints of hands and feet, and have trouble 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 the 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 the test report is normal, then on the advice of the doctor, you will have to undergo several other blood tests like RA factor and other blood tests. These will provide information about inflammation or any infection in the body. If needed, you may also have to undergo CT scan or MRI. The doctor will decide all this based on your symptoms and disease.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a common disease that causes inflammation and pain in the bone joints. It includes osteoarthritis (common in the elderly), rheumatoid arthritis (a disease related to the immune system). Stiffness of joints as soon as you wake 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.
Increased uric acid
If there is sudden sharp pain or swelling in the toes, ankles or knees, then this could be a sign of increased 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 important to consult a doctor and get some necessary tests done. Such as blood test (CBC, ESR, CRP). It detects inflammation, infection or disorder in the immune system 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 status of bone strength.
DEXA scan – To check bone density, which can detect osteoporosis.
X-Ray/MRI – To closely examine 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 correct tests done. If the disease is detected in time, then the treatment becomes easy.
Lifestyle and diet changes
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.
