Diagnosis

The diagnosis of joint pain is based on several different procedures. First of all, there is a consultation with the family doctor, during which he gets an overall picture of the patient. Although the focus is on the joint pain, other important symptoms must also be considered in order to determine the exact cause.

In addition to the symptoms, previous illnesses in the family, stress at work and in everyday life, as well as the personal medical history are of high relevance. The next important pillar in diagnostics is, besides the interview, the physical examination. In case of abnormalities, a referral to another specialist, e.g. to an orthopedist or dermatologist, may be necessary.

A blood analysis is also important. The blood can provide information about the underlying disease. With a rheumatic illness so-called rheumatism factors are found in the blood.

The blood sedimentation rate (BSG) and the CRP (C-reactive protein) indicate an inflammation. Swabs, urine samples, genetic analyses and tests for certain strains of bacteria are also used in the diagnosis of joint pain. Finally, imaging techniques are used to determine the cause.

Various methods are used for this purpose. These include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT, X-ray and ultrasound diagnostics and arthroscopy.The latter can also be used as a therapeutic intervention. Imaging techniques have the advantage that they can depict the situation in the affected joints and thus provide a precise insight.

When should I see a doctor?

Joint pain is partly harmless and results, for example, from slight incorrect strain or great physical exertion. However, if the pain is additionally accompanied by redness, swelling, fever and restricted movement, it is recommended to consult a doctor as soon as possible. This also applies to joint pain that spreads to other joints.

Treatment of joint pain – what really helps?

A standard therapy for joint pain cannot simply be formulated in this way. This becomes clear when one considers the many different causes of pain. It is first of all important to combat the causes and depends on the underlying clinical picture.

For example, if the joint pain is caused by diabetes mellitus, it is important to control the metabolic situation with insulin or antidiabetics. But there is also something that can be done against the joint pain as such. For very severe pain, painkillers provide relief.

Also a protection and cooling of the joint can help. An inflammation of the joints is usually treated with so-called non-steroidal anti-rheumatic drugs (NSAIDs). These include aspirin, for example.

Their effect is anti-inflammatory. Cortisone is also used in therapy, for example in the form of injections into the joints. This also has an anti-inflammatory effect.

It also has a suppressive effect on the body’s immune response (immunosuppressive) and is used, for example, in osteoarthritis, rheumatic diseases and autoimmune diseases. So-called immunobiologicals represent a newer approach in therapy, which are used specifically for autoimmune diseases and quasi intervene in the autoimmune reaction. Another approach in the therapy of pain is physiotherapeutic exercises, which support the mobility of joints.

Massages can also improve the quality of life and contribute to pain relief. In addition, there is iontophoresis, which is used for rheumatic diseases, among other things. This is a form of electrical therapy whose mechanism of action has not yet been fully clarified.

However, it probably increases the absorption of pain-relieving substances into the joints and ensures greater efficiency in pain therapy. In the context of all pain therapy procedures, an accompanying psychotherapy can be helpful. With the help of various methods such as biofeedback or behavioral therapy approaches, pain patients can learn relaxation techniques and thus influence the intensity of pain of their joint disease themselves.

Despite all these conservative therapeutic approaches, in some cases and for certain clinical pictures surgery may be necessary. For example, parts of the joint, especially the synovial membrane, can be removed. This is known as a synovectomy.

Joint effusions are relieved by punctures. If the joint is severely damaged, for example, a cartilage transplantation may be indicated or a complete joint replacement in the sense of a prosthesis. If you simply want to relieve the symptoms of mild joint pain (without treating the cause), you can apply some horse ointment to the outside of the body.

The possibilities and procedures are very different from those for joint pain. It is not possible to formulate a generally valid therapy for joint pain. This article serves only as an overview and for rough orientation.

There are also some homeopathic medicines for joint pain, e.g. Zeel® comp. N. Voltaren Emulgel can be used for local application for osteoarthritis, acute muscle pain, tendonitis or pain of the soft tissues surrounding the joint. It contains the active ingredient diclofenac.

This is an inflammation and pain relieving medication. Voltaren Emulgel should not be used on open wounds or on inflamed or eczema-prone skin. For treatment the affected area should be rubbed with the gel 3 to 4 times a day.

In case of use for more than three weeks or in case of pregnancy/nursing a doctor should be consulted before use. A good diet can relieve joint pain. Not only does a reduced occurrence of overweight, which puts a strain on the joints, play a role, but also the ingredients themselves have an effect on the joints.It is suspected that foods containing the omega-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid promote joint inflammation.

In addition to meat and sausage, these include high-fat dairy products. Omega-3 fatty acids, on the other hand, which contain fatty cold-water fish, walnuts, soybeans, rapeseed and olive oil, are considered to be anti-inflammatory. Ginger is also said to have an anti-inflammatory effect and can therefore relieve the symptoms of joint inflammation.

Alcohol and nicotine should generally be avoided, as these can worsen the symptoms due to a worsened blood circulation. Some studies recommend increased intake of a mixture of vitamins A, C, E and selenium. However, there is too little data available to be able to say with certainty whether the increased intake of vitamins is actually helpful. This is because excessive vitamin intake is also associated with severe side effects. Overall, the study situation regarding the influence of diet on joint pain is not clear.