Joint Pain and Fatigue: The Connection

A lot of things cause fatigue. People get fatigued for a number of reasons. Chronic conditions such as, arthritis, nutrition, thyroid problems, anemia, lack of sleep, and nutrition are just a few issues that may cause fatigue. Treating these issues properly may lead to the elimination or reduction of fatigue.

The common causes of joint pain and fatigue are rheumatoid arthritis, and the other chronic conditions that come with it. Joint swelling, stiffness and abnormalities can increase the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Positive rheumatoid factor, and increased levels of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide can also add to joint pain.

Another cause of joint pain and fatigue is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). This chronic illness affects nearly seven hundred thousand American adults, ninety percent being women. This is often either wrongly diagnosed or not diagnosed at all. Statistics show that a large number of these individuals suffer from SLE without even knowing it. Lupus is the abnormal creation of autoantibodies in one’s blood, these can cause havoc with tissues within the body. SLE is an autoimmune disease.

Aside from the fatigue and joint pain, patients of SLE may get rashes, low-grade fevers, an abnormal blood count, mouth sores, and muscle pain. In serious cases, people with lupus experience severe damage to the brain, lungs, heart, and kidneys.

Diagnosis of such conditions can be determined by clinical studies that result from microscopic laboratory tests. These tests often show high levels of autoantibodies in the blood serum of SLE related patients.

There is no permanent cure for lupus, but there are treatments that can catch the signs and symptoms. This is important in preventing the advanced organ deterioration that so often affects lupus patients.

Treatment of joint pain may include:

• The use of Corticosteroids that will relieve joint and muscle inflammation. This, however, can have serious side effects on patients over time – osteoporosis, diabetes, and glaucoma are just a few.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) provide relief from swelling, but people with lupus are prone to developing gastro esophageal relux disease (GERD) after taking such medications.

• Disease-modifying ant rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or slow-acting ant rheumatic drugs (SAARDs) are also utilized to treat such conditions. They can be prescribed on their own or in combination with another drug to control due to autoimmune disease caused joint and muscle pain.

• Biologic therapies. Cytokines are targeted by these drugs. They are specific and cellular messengers.

An under active thyroid gland can cause hypothyroidism. This condition does not only cause aches and pains but also leads to fatigue. Dryness of mouth and eyes, memory loss, and other disturbing problems can result. It may be fatal if not diagnosed.

Fibromyalgia is another condition that causes joint pain and fatigue. It may also come with dryness of the eyes and mouth. This disease arises due to a disorder of central neurotransmitter functioning. Joint pain is not the only problem patients experience with this condition. They can experience fatigue, dryness of mouth and eyes, abnormal bowel movement or irritable bladder, chest pain, headaches, and difficulty in breathing.

What Causes Painful Joints?

It is hard enough to deal with any type of pain, but when it affects the joints this can be the worst pain of all. The depleting, disturbing affect it can have on your life can be rather significant. The pain of course is just the symptom of the actual problem. Without knowing the cause of painful joints it is almost impossible to treat and rid yourself of the symptom.

Joint pain can be described in several ways. Most commonly it is known as a tenderness or discomfort when touched, swelling or inflammation of the area, a bruised feeling, or restriction from any sort of movement. Each one of these symptoms can have several causes associated with it. Just because you may be 50 years or older doesn’t mean that it is automatically some type of arthritis.

Arthritis is the most commonly diagnosed cause of painful joints. It is the inflammation of joints caused by the wearing down of cartilage, a chronic pain of the joints known as Osteoarthritis. Other types of arthritis associated with joint pain can be Rheumatoid Arthritis and Septic Arthritis. It is important to inform your doctor of any other possible causes before assuming that this is what is causing the awful pain.

Injuries can be another large contributor to painful joints. Swelling and redness, may occur around the injured area when ligaments, or cartilage and bones, within the joint are affected by some type of activity like sports, outdoor activities, or accidents. It is important to put ice on the area and seek medical advice to find out the extent of your injury.

Infectious diseases like rheumatic fever, mumps, chicken pox, hepatitis, bursitis, and influenza can also cause pain in the joints. Lupus or SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) causes a soreness and inflammation of joints. If left undiagnosed and untreated it could result in a much more severe problem than pain. If pain is accompanied with a headache, tiredness, and a bullseye rash, you could be affected by Lyme’s disease.

If the pain is sharply located around the feet, ankles or legs, it may be a case of Gout. This is usually a temporary condition and is treated with a change in diet. Obesity can also cause pain. The added pressure on bones and muscles, inactivity of the muscles and joints, not only cause the pain itself, but can also contribute to injuries. Changing the diet to include more fruits and vegetables, making sure the water intake is at least 8 glasses per day, and including an exercise program in your daily activity will help alleviate both of these causes.

Determining the cause of the painful joints is the most important step. Doctors will be able to diagnose the problem with a physical exam, clinical history, possible X-rays, MRI, or bone scans, and a urine test. Ruling out the possibilities one at a time will be your physician’s objective. Be sure to discuss with them thoroughly the result of these tests for a better understanding of your condition.

Relieving the pain is a main goal, but understanding the cause and treating the problem should be number one. If any of your symptoms are combined with severe headache, upset stomach, fever, or chills, consult your physician immediately. Make sure he or she is made aware of any other symptoms or possible causes to be able to diagnose the problem correctly.

Why Joints Ache?

There are many reasons why joints ache. They can be the only symptom or may be a part if many symptoms you are experiencing. Many individuals experience joint aches when they have the flu, when the weather is damp, after the play sports or sleep in a different bed. Joint aches can be caused by many things and you need to look at both your current activities as well as any other symptoms you may be experiencing to determine the cause of your aching joints.

When you are ill joints tend to ache because your immune system is working overtime, and your white blood cells attack areas throughout your body, resulting in joint pain everywhere. Joint aches can be caused by hurting muscles, the ligaments, or bone and cartilage that surround the joints. Arthritis, asceptic necrosis, bursitis, osteochondritis dissecans, sickle cell anemia, are explanations for why joints ache. Steroid drug withdrawal, cartilage tears, bone tumors, fractures, septic arthritis, sprains, synovial sarcoma and tendonitis are also common causes of aching joints.

There are some holistic treatments that have been found to help relieve joint aches. Glucosamine sulphate, chondriotin sulphate, and MSM have been found to help repair damage from arthritis and reduce pain, swelling and stiffness in your joints. Chondriotin sulphate helps to build connective tissue and repairs cartilage that may be causing your joints to hurt. MSM blocks pain signals carried by the nervous system and has been found to decrease the progression of degenerative joint diseases.

There are also some other ways to treat your joint aches. If you are overweight then losing weight may magically take care of joint ache issues. Icing down your muscles after physical activity has always been helpful. Stretching and yoga are popular forms of prevention. Over the counter pain medication is used extensively to help with joint pain. If you are concerned that your joint ache problems are lingering or not going away then you should visit your doctor to determine treatment.

Various Causes of Joint Problems

There are many causes of joint problems and any joint in your body can be affected. Knee, shoulder, back, foot, ankles, arms and other joints all have associated problems and symptoms. Some of these can be easily treated, while others that may be signs of more serious problems. Arthritis is the most common cause of joint problems though individuals who are very active many experience joint problems from muscle and ligament related issues.

Some common knee joint pain problems are associated with pain at the side of your knee, at the front of your knee, at the back of your knee or throughout your knee. If you are experience side pain then you have likely torn a ligament or the cartilage ring that surrounds your knee. Frontal and back knee pain can be caused by bursitis, fractures, infection, cysts and arthritis. Many times your knee can give out or begin to feel unstable. This is usually due to ligament or tendon problems, dislocated kneecaps, arthritis, and meniscus tears.

There are many disease and other causes for shoulder joint pain. For young adults that experience shoulder problems, such as dislocation, they will need to build up muscle in their shoulder are to prevent this. Tendonitis and bursitis tend to affect your rotator cuff. Arthritis is not very common in shoulders but it does occur and will most likely affect those over 50.

There are three types of diseases that affect your ankle joints; ankle sprains, chronic sprains and plantar fasciitis. Ankle sprains are associated with joint pain, swelling and a loss of stability. Sprained ankles occur by turning your ankle inward and tearing a ligament in your ankle. If you have many ankle problems you may need to have your ankle bones pinned as one of the bones in your ankle is not connected but simply sits in place. Ankle joint pain issues are most commonly due to injury.

Understanding Joint and Muscle Pain

Joint pain and muscle pain are synonymous with aging. As people age, their joints and cartilage wear down. As a result there is a rise to the occurrence of pain in joints and muscles. However, aging is not the only contributor of such pain, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is known to be the main cause of joint and muscle pain.

More than ninety percent of the people suffering from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) will encounter joint/muscle pain at some point in the duration of their illness. At the inception of such ailment, the primary complaint of more than fifty percent of people with SLE is joint pain.

The inflammation of joints is the main cause of joint pain. This inflammation of joints is often referred to as arthritis that can cause swelling, tenderness, a burning sensation, pain, and a collection of fluid. The symptoms of SLE are more likened to those of a viral flu. A sudden and severe pain in joints and muscles can make a person feel really ill. Symptoms of SLE are similar to symptoms of arthritis because of the swelling and pain of joints. Some patients do not suffer severe joint pain but have serious inflamed muscles that result in loss of strength.

In some cases, pain in the joints and muscle occur before SLE. Severe cases show that individual even at rest still experience joint and muscle pain. Patients who suffer from joint and muscle pain are advised by health practitioners to have the right balance of rest and exercise. Individuals with SLE have to be cautiously aware of the activities they are doing so that they do not put an additional burden on the weakened joints and muscles.

Even if muscle and joint pain can take place in any part of the body, a person’s shoulders, hips, and knees are more subject to this illness. Being overweight also adds stress and difficulty to SLE patients, as they’re more likely to suffer from muscle and joint pain. SLE patients may also develop an inflammation of skeletal muscles that cause weakness and strength loss.

The joint pain that a person experiences can not always be attricuted to lupus arthritis. Certain medical problems may also complicate the pain or co-exist with SLE. The health problems may include:

·    Bursitis
·    Tendonitis
·    Avascular necrosis of bone
·    Fibromyalgia
·    Other forms of arthritis
·    Infection
·    Muscle injury

There are a number of other factors, other than SLE, that may be associated with joint and muscle pain. It’s always recommended that you consult a doctor rather than speculating as to the cause of the pain you are experiencing.

Muscle and joint pain are best treated if discovered in early stages. In some serious cases, no permanent solution may be available. Some patients may elect to have surgery to have their joints replaced. Joint and muscle pain can have an adverse effect on a person’s level of activity. It’s advised that you avoid such conditions by doing regular exercise, eating an adequate diet, and visiting your physician at the onset of any pain.

Joint Pain Supplements: Natural Relief

The treatment of joint pain usually constitutes the use of conventional medications prescribed by health practitioners. A number of therapies are also made available for patients to treat pain they experience. Joint pain supplements can play a vital role in alleviating joint pain and supporting healthy strong joints.

When it comes to choosing joint supplements, there are no shortages of available treatments. However, consumers should always be cautious of the supplement and brand they may be purchasing. Certain studies have shown that some joint pain supplement brands fall short of what they claim on their labels.

The following are a list of joint supplements that may be helpful to treat and support weak joints and healthy joints respectively:

Glucosamine
Glucosamine is an amino acid that is naturally produced in one’s body. It is a predecessor to a molecule that is utilized in the production and restoration of cartilage. Treatment with glucosamine is based on the idea that oral consumption may elevate the rate of formation of new cartilage. Amino acids can provide the extra building blocks necessary. Glucosamine sulphate is the joint supplement most often taken by patients suffering from osteoarthritis and joint pain. Research has shown that it decreases the symptoms and slows the development of this chronic disease. The dose of glucosamine recommended by physicians is 1500mg daily for four to eight weeks. Patients who experience favorable results may continue treatment with glucosamine. Glucosamine hydrochloride may also be taken as supplements at a dose similar to glucosamine sulphate.

Chondroiton
Chondroiton sulphate is frequently taken in combination with glucosamine sulphate. Chondoitin is a compound that is important for the development of the matrix structure of joints. The use of this can slow down the development of the disease by gradually narrowing the spaces between one’s joints. Even as studies have shown that Chondroiton alleviates pain, reviews of such studies have shown discrepancies in results. This supplement has not shown an advantage over glucosamine, and may just likely be considered an alternative way of alleviating pain. Recommended dosage of this supplement is 200mg to 400mg twice or three times a day.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that acts as a supplement for people with joint pain. This also helps people with osteoarthritis. Studies have shown that taking Niacinamide rather than a placebo was more effective in improving one’s flexibility and reducing inflammation. Nevertheless, you have to first consult your physician before you take Niacinamide.

S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)
S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a natural compound of bioactive methionine that enhances the production of cartilage cells. The methionine is converted by ATP, producing dopamine, norepinepherine, and serotonin used by the body. This helps with cartilage and decreases the chondrocyte damage by the cytokine that helps alleviate joint pain. Aside from being a treatment to reduce joint pain, it also helps medicate other conditions like liver disease and depression. SAMe supplements improve the symptoms of pain, but may take a number of weeks before any improvement is experienced. However, treatment with SAMe supplements is very costly and it is in itself an unstable compound.

Information on Neck Joint Pain

There are many causes of neck joint pain, including arthritis, muscles, nerves and ligament problems. Neck pain can be caused by changes in the structure of your neck, including your spine and spinal cushioning disks. Your upper arms, head, jaw and shoulders can also affect your neck joint and cause joint pain. If you have a lot of neck pain you may have difficulty moving your head, also known as having a stiff neck.

The vast majority of the time, neck joint pain comes from an everyday activity that causes you to strain your neck muscles. If you have bad posture, sleep in an uncomfortable position, bend over for extended periods of time, or twist and turn your neck frequently you have probably suffered from neck joint pain. There are more traumatic causes for neck joint pain, such as blood vessel injury, whiplash, vertebral fractures, meningitis, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and a herniated disk.

If you are experiencing only minor neck joint pain or stiffness then the following home treatments have found to be effective. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, heat or ice to the effected area, stretch your neck muscles, massage, or using a special neck pillow or changing to a firm mattress when sleeping. If your symptoms do not go away after a week, you have tingling, weakness or numbness down your arm and hands you should seek professional medical care. If you have swollen glands, have difficulty breathing or swallowing, experience neck joint pain after an injury, blow or fall; you should also seek professional medical guidance.

To prevent neck joint pain you can effectively stretch your neck and back daily, use ice after athletic activities, practice good posture, try to relax your neck as much as possible. If you frequently use the telephone, invest in a headset. Where protective equipment when doing athletic activities. If you read a lot make sure to keep reading material at eye level instead of bending your neck.

Are You Suffering From Hip Joint Pain?

A lot of people suffer from hip joint pain day after day. It’s not easy to cope with this soreness because in addition to feeling it in the hips, the pain is also felt within the upper thigh and groin area. People experience hip pain for many different reasons, and it is crucial that the pain within the hips be analyzed precisely and as early as possible so that it can be treated at once as well as to avoid any further complications that could arise from the pain.

The main causes of hip joint pain include:

1. Trochanteric bursitis – this is also called hip bursitis and this is mostly common with athletes. There is a sac in the hip known as the bursa sac; this sac gets irritated when one is running thus causing pain in the hips.

2. Osteonecrosis – when the hip bones don’t get the right amount of blood flow the bone will disintegrate. The usual part in our body in which osteonecrosis happens is the hip joint, which is why it is for the most part, the most common cause of the pain in the hips.

3. Hip fracture – this is very common among the elderly and usually results from a fall. The broken hip bones will then have to undergo surgery for the damage to be fixed, metal plates or screws are used or sometimes the joint is replaced altogether. Fractures in the hip can be very devastating, in fact less than 50% of the people who suffer from them will return to physically strenuous activities again.

4. Osteoarthritis – this is the most common cause of hip joint pain. These ailments happen because of the normal deterioration and this condition will dissipate away the cartilage of the joint. Individuals who are over fifty usually experience this. In osteoarthritis, there are times that the pain will be unbearable and it can make you walk with a limp. Non-surgical methods to treat this sometimes are not effective, so surgeons will always resort to replacement surgery.

There are many other reasons for hip pain to occur and anyone could be afflicted with this, even a child. In addition, the cause of hip joint pain will not be the same with every individual. For instance, children have hip pain because of congenital dislocation of their hip. Surgery is the best way to treat this. For the elderly, arthritis is the usual cause of hip pain. Viral illness can also trigger hip pain among adults and children.

Other causes of hip joint pain are:

• traumatic arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Synovitis
• Tendonitis
• Bursitis

Treatment for all of these causes of hip joint pain include: non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. Also, over the counter medications for relieving the pain such as ibuprofen can provide instant comfort. If the pain is severe, prescribed medications that are taken orally or injected in the inflamed area are sometimes suggested to help stop the pain.

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