Fact Checked
Arthralgia is pain in the joints. It is characterized by a sharp, stabbing, burning or throbbing and ranges in intensity from mild to severe. Generally, it is usually caused by arthritis which is inflammation of the joints.
Symptoms of arthralgia
- At first, pain can happen suddenly and eventually becomes worse
- Numbness
- Itching and burning feeling
- Tenderness of the area
- Reduced range of movements of the joints
- In addition, there is redness, warmth or swelling
- Stiffness
- Lastly, tingling or unusual sensations
Severe symptoms
- Severe bleeding
- Bone protruding from the skin
- Sudden development of deformity of the joints
- Severe pain in the joints
- Fever
Causes
- Arthritis which is inflammation of the joints
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis which is a chronic autoimmune disease that cause inflammation of the joints
- Gout, a type of arthritis due to accumulation of uric acid in the joints
- Reiter’s syndrome, a form of arthritis
- Septic arthritis which is an infectious arthritis
- Broken and dislocated bones
- Herniated disc
- Loose fragments of bones or cartilage within the space of the joints
- Repetitive motion disorders
- Nerve entrapment or compression
- Sprain and strains
- Stress and tendon rupture
Treatment
- Take plenty of rest especially the affected area for fast healing of the condition.
- Apply hot and cold compress on the area. Generally, heat can be in the form of heating pads, dry heating packs and even sauna. Apply heat in the area for at least 10-15 minutes to lessen pain and the spasms of muscles. It also increase flexibility of the muscles, relax, soothe and for fast healing of the condition. Another alternative is taking hot baths is good for the condition.
- Elevate the area above the level of the heart to lessen the swelling and the pain.
- In a bathtub filled with warm water add 2 cups of Epsom salts. Mix them well salt is totally dissolved. Soak the affected joints in the solution. Another alternative is soaking the whole body in the bathtub for at least 15 minutes for best result. Epsom salts is rich in magnesium sulfate that lessens the pain.
- Massage the affected area to soothe inflammation and for proper flow of blood in the area and lessen the joint pain and stiffness.
- Perform regular exercises to control weight. Take a brisk walking for at least 15 minutes. Perform exercises to lessen the stiffness and pain with the help of the physical therapist.
Disclaimer / More Information
The material posted on this page on arthralgia is for learning purposes only. Learn to manage the condition by taking a first aid and CPR class with one of our training providers.
FACT CHECK
https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Arthralgia.aspx
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthralgia
https://www.healthline.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/arthralgia