Our skeletons take a beating. And it’s common to experience aches and pains in your bones and joints. Curious about what’s causing yours? Below are a few examples of common sources of pain.
Shoulder
The ball of the shoulder joint is larger than its socket, making it easily dislocated. Repetitive motion or injury can weaken the shoulder’s rotator cuff muscles, increasing the risk for painful tears. The shoulder can also develop conditions such as tendinitis and bursitis, both of which cause joint inflammation and lead to discomfort in the shoulder.
Hips
The hips are susceptible to painful fractures from falls. This is especially true for people who have osteoporosis. But not all hip pain stems from problems in the hip itself. For example, pain in the back of the hip that travels from the lower back to the buttocks may be sciatica, a pinched nerve in the back.
Elbow
Aside from hitting your funny bone, other issues can affect the elbow, too. For example, tennis elbow, an overuse injury due to repetitive movements, can cause inflammation in the joints and tendons. The result is an aching in the elbow that can progress into severe burning pain.
Knees
The knees bear the brunt of our weight—making them subject to injury. For example, knee cartilage can wear away over time. The result? Painful osteoarthritis. There are other ways the knee can become injured, too. The meniscus, the cartilage that provides padding between the thighbone and shinbone, can be torn if the knee is twisted while bearing weight. Knee tendons can also be torn by overuse or falls.
Neck/Spine
Neck and back pains are common. It’s possible to develop a condition called spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal column that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing discomfort. Disk degeneration, which occurs when the disks between the vertebrae lose their cushioning ability as we age, can result in pain. And back sprains can occur when twisting or lifting improperly. In most cases, this will require a workup by your doctor.
Bone and joint pain? It could be time to see a doctor. Our orthopedic and spine experts offer rehabilitation and treatment options to help you get back on your feet and back to doing what you love. Learn more here: