Joint pain

Joint pain is one of the most common complaints of the musculoskeletal system and can affect people of any age. It either occurs suddenly or develops slowly over a long period of time. It is often associated with ageing, but young people, people who play sport or patients with chronic illnesses are also often affected.

At the Nuhr Medical Center, we take a holistic approach to treating joint pain. Our therapies are based on medical expertise, are individually tailored and aim to be effective in the long term.

What are the most common causes of joint pain?

Joint pain can have very different triggers. A distinction is essentially made between wear-related, inflammatory, metabolic and infectious causes. Sometimes there is also a combination of several factors.

Osteoarthritis and overloading

The most common cause of joint pain is osteoarthritis, i.e. the breakdown of joint cartilage due to age or stress. This cartilage serves as a “shock absorber” in the joint. If it becomes thinner or rougher, bone rubs against bone, causing pain, inflammation and restricted movement. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but most commonly the knees, hips, hands and spine. Excess weight, incorrect posture or one-sided strain in everyday life or at work also encourage this process.

Rheumatism and autoimmune diseases

Inflammatory causes include diseases of the immune system in which the body’s own defenses mistakenly attack joint structures.

• Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory joint disease that usually affects several small joints, for example in the fingers or toes. The inflammation can progress in phases and lead to permanent joint changes.
• Still’s disease is a rare, systemic form of arthritis that is often accompanied by fever, skin rash and general inflammation in the body.
• Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease in which the skin and connective tissue harden and the joints can also be painfully affected.
• Vasculitis, i.e. inflammation of the blood vessels, sometimes leads to circulatory disorders in the joint and also to pain.
• Inflammation of the sacroiliac joint (sacroiliitis) can also be the cause. This is an inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, i.e. the connection between the sacrum and ilium in the pelvis.

Gout

Another common cause is gout. It is caused by an increased uric acid level in the blood. When uric acid crystals are deposited in a joint, often in the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe, a sudden, very painful inflammatory attack occurs. If left untreated, gout can also damage other joints and organs. It usually occurs in episodes and mainly affects middle-aged men, but can also affect women, especially after the menopause.

Infections and concomitant diseases

Lyme disease, a tick-borne bacterial infection, can lead to migratory joint pain weeks to months after infection, usually in the large joints. Joint inflammation in the context of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis is also possible. The sacrum and the small vertebral joints are often affected.

Nocturnal pain and vertebral joints

Many patients report nocturnal joint pain caused either by inflammatory processes or overloading. A stiff neck or back pain that radiates to the pelvis or head can also indicate inflammatory involvement of the vertebral joints, for example in ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory spinal disease.

How does joint pain manifest itself?

Joint pain can manifest itself in very different ways. Some sufferers experience a dull pressure sensation or a pulling pain, while others complain of sudden, stabbing pain. Typical signs of inflammation often also occur, e.g. reddening of the skin over the joint, swelling or significantly restricted mobility.

Which areas are most frequently affected?

The most commonly affected areas include the knee and shoulder joints, but also finger and toe joints, hip joints, the spine and the region around the sacrum. The first signs of wear are often noticeable at an early stage, particularly in joints that are subjected to heavy daily strain, such as the knees and hips. Osteoarthritis often develops gradually here and gradually leads to restricted movement and pain. Gout attacks, on the other hand, typically occur suddenly and often affect the metatarsophalangeal joint, which is then very painful, red and swollen.

What role does age play?

The risk of joint problems increases noticeably with age. Women in particular often notice increasing pain in their hands, feet or knees from the menopause onwards. But age is not the only factor. Hereditary predispositions, such as those that play a role in gout, can also contribute to complaints. Incorrect strain in everyday life, for example due to prolonged sitting, incorrect footwear or repetitive movements, can put additional strain on the joints.

The good news is that you can do a lot to prevent joint pain. Regular exercise is the most important factor. Keeping moving and consciously using your joints promotes blood circulation, keeps the cartilage supple and ensures that the joint remains stable. Targeted training to improve coordination and strength also protects the joints in everyday life. Even moderate activities such as walking, cycling or swimming, which are easy on the joints, can help to prevent discomfort and maintain mobility in the long term.

Which therapies help with joint pain?

We do not look at joint pain in isolation, but in the context of the whole person. Our aim is not just to alleviate symptoms in the short term, but to understand their causes and treat them completely. To achieve this, we rely on an integrative therapy concept that combines various medical and therapeutic approaches.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy is a proven component of our treatment. Natural stimuli such as heat, cold, electricity or water are used to relieve pain, improve blood circulation or activate the muscles.

Electrotherapy helps to reduce pain, boosts the metabolism and strengthens the muscles. Heat applications relax the muscles and are particularly helpful for chronic complaints. Hydrotherapy stimulates the immune system and promotes general regeneration.

Movement therapy and coordination training

Regular, targeted exercise is key to the treatment of joint problems. In movement therapy or coordination therapy, individual exercises are used to stabilize joints, build muscle strength and avoid poor posture. This not only strengthens the musculoskeletal system, but also increases resilience in everyday life.

Coordination training specifically trains balance, body awareness and responsiveness. This helps older people in particular to avoid falls and regain more confidence in everyday life.

Manual techniques

Classic healing massages are also part of our range of therapies. They relieve tension, promote blood circulation and support physical relief. Manual lymphatic drainage or reflexology massages are also used, for example to reduce swelling or calm the autonomic nervous system. These treatments promote regeneration in a gentle way.

Acupuncture

We also use acupuncture to relieve chronic pain, influence inflammation and regulate the nervous system. Many patients find this method a pleasant addition to conventional therapy. Acupuncture can help to activate the body’s self-healing powers, particularly in the case of recurring joint complaints.

When should you see a doctor for joint pain?

Mild joint pain that occurs after physical exertion or unaccustomed strain, for example, is often harmless. In many cases, rest, light exercise or simple heat or cold applications help the pain to disappear on its own.

However, if the symptoms last longer than a few days or even get worse, you should take a closer look. It is advisable to seek medical advice at the latest if the joints also swell, feel overheated or experience pain at night. Even if several joints are affected at the same time or there are accompanying symptoms such as fever, general weakness or unexplained weight loss, the cause should definitely be investigated.

Caution is also advised if you already have known illnesses such as rheumatism, gout or chronic inflammatory bowel disease. In these cases, joint pain can be a sign of a flare-up or a new inflammation.

At the Nuhr Medical Center, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of joint problems. Our experienced team combines modern conventional medical procedures with physical therapy, exercise training and naturopathic support – individually tailored to your situation.

Talk to us if your joints are hurting. Together we will find the right way to maintain or restore your mobility. For more ease, quality of life and freedom from pain.