Common Aches and Pains
Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons (attachment of muscle to bone). Elbow, ankles, wrist, overuse.
Treatment: rest, ice, NSAIDS. Physical Therapy can be necessary and helpful
Bursitis: fluid filled sacs in areas of friction that can become inflamed.
Common: Trochanteric Bursitis (hip), Anserine bursitis (medial knee), Olecranon Bursitis (elbow)
Treatment: Physical therapy, Steroid injections, Ice, NSAIDS, stretching
Arthritis: Pain in the joints
Osteoarthritis: wear and tear or degenerative joint disease. Knees, hips, Spine, hands, shoulders
Risks: age, obesity, family history, prior injury, occupation
Pain worsens with use
Treatment: scheduled Tylenol, NSAIDS if able, injections ultimate joint replacement
Topicals always worth a try
Inflammatory Arthritis: most common Rheumatoid Arthritis (autoimmune- immune system fighting itself at the joints)
AM stiffness lasts hours, red, warm swollen joints, symmetric- hands wrists, feet, knees
Treatment: prescription medication to avoid destruction/deformity in the future
Future: Gut microbiome and diets role in joint inflammation and pain?
Health Pearl: Anti-inflammatory diet limit processed food, sugar, simple carbohydrates