Joint Pain

End the cycle of chronic join pain and lead a fuller, active life.

Joint pain, a common ailment that can significantly impact daily life, affects millions of Americans. From the wear-and-tear of osteoarthritis to the inflammatory nature of rheumatoid arthritis and the sharp, crystalline pain of gout, various conditions contribute to this widespread issue.

While joint pain is often associated with middle-aged and older adults, it can also affect individuals in early adulthood. Young people may experience joint pain due to injuries, autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, infections, or lifestyle factors such as obesity and overuse from sports or physical labor.

Recognizing these signs and seeking appropriate treatment is essential for preventing complications, maintaining mobility, and maintaining an overall quality of life.

Different Types of Joint Pain

Joint pain and inflammation can stem from injuries, overuse, infections, and underlying conditions like arthritis, with osteoarthritis being the most common type.

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis, the most prevalent type of arthritis, stems from the gradual deterioration of joint cartilage. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s defenses mistakenly attack joint tissues, leading to inflammation. Psoriatic arthritis links joint pain to the skin condition psoriasis, while post-traumatic arthritis develops after joint injuries, like fractures, causing cartilage damage and potential nerve complications.

Gout and pseudogout are types of arthritis due to uric acid and calcium pyrophosphate crystallizing within the joints. Gout usually affects the big toe, while pseudogout can affect various joints.

Injuries

Sprains and strains occur when ligaments or tendons are overstretched or torn, leading to discomfort and limited movement. Ligament tears, which damage the connective tissues that stabilize joints, often result in significant pain and inflammation. Tendinitis, caused by the overuse or repetitive motion of tendons around a joint, leads to inflammation and tenderness. Additionally, bursitis — the inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints — can cause swelling and joint pain.

Infections

Infections from viruses, bacteria, or fungi can induce joint pain. Viral culprits include hepatitis, rubella, mumps, parvovirus, HIV, and others like Epstein-Barr and arboviruses, all capable of causing inflammation. Bacterial infections, such as Staph, gonorrhea, Lyme disease, and those triggering reactive arthritis (Campylobacter, Chlamydia, Salmonella, Yersinia), pose risks, as does sepsis.

Though less frequent, fungal infections, including Candida, can also lead to joint issues. Notably, these infections can culminate in septic arthritis, a serious condition demanding immediate medical intervention due to severe pain, swelling, and potential joint damage.

Other Conditions

Lupus, obesity, and overexertion are significant contributors to chronic joint pain. Lupus triggers immune system attacks, causing inflammatory joint damage. Obesity adds excessive stress to joints, accelerating cartilage wear. Overexertion strains surrounding tissues, leading to inflammation and potential injury. All three factors can result in persistent pain and reduced mobility.

Procedures and Treatments

Biologics for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Biologics are advanced medications derived from living organisms that target specific components of the immune system to reduce inflammation and slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.

Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat spinal compression fractures by stabilizing the bone and restoring vertebral height with bone cement.

Lumbar Discography

Lumbar discography is a diagnostic procedure that identifies painful spinal discs by injecting contrast dye to assess disc integrity and reproduce symptoms.

Nerve Root Blocks

Nerve root blocks are performed by injecting a mixture of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication near a spinal nerve root to reduce pain and inflammation.

PRP Therapy

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy benefits pain management by promoting tissue healing, reducing inflammation, and providing long-term relief using the body’s own growth factors.

Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy is a regenerative treatment that involves injecting an irritant solution into injured or weakened tissues to stimulate healing and strengthen the affected area.

Sacroiliac Injections

Sacroiliac injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication and anesthetics directly into the sacroiliac joint to decrease inflammation and block pain signals.

Trigger Point Injections

A local anesthetic, sometimes combined with a corticosteroid, is injected directly into painful muscle knots to relax the muscle and reduce inflammation.

Ultrasound-Guided Joint Injections

Medications, such as corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid, are precisely delivered into a joint using ultrasound imaging for accurate needle placement.

Ezell Askew, MD

Dr. Askew is proficient in performing a wide range of procedures, including Botox Therapy for various pain syndromes, Spine Neuromodulation, Intrathecal Drug Pump Placement, Carotid Stenting, Endovenous Laser Therapy for varicose veins, and numerous pain services such as Epidural Steroid Injections and Plexus Blockades.

He treats low back pain, vertebral compression fractures, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, spinal cord injuries and spaciticy, sports injuries, pelvic venous congestion, and offers uterine fibroid embolization.

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At Monterey Bay Vascular, we offer coordinated care to prevent, diagnose, and treat vascular disease.
Everyone deserves to live a long, happy life. Vascular disease may lead to limb loss and other life-threatening conditions such as pulmonary embolism. Our licensed vascular surgeon uses state-of-the-art tools and technology to tackle all problems related to your vascular system. Thanks to our vast wealth of experience, we also work with our patients to develop a unique solution that fits your needs. Contact us today to learn more about the vascular treatments we offer and schedule an appointment today!