Joint Pain

Joint pain affects nearly 30% of adults in the United States at any given time. If discomfort in your hips, spine, shoulders, knees, or other joints diminishes your quality of life, you don’t have to live in pain. Coastal Spine & Sports Medicine, PLLC, in Wilmington, North Carolina, Francis Pecoraro, MD, DAPMR, SAAPMR, offers advanced, holistic solutions to relieve pain so that you can enjoy life to its fullest. Schedule an appointment with Coastal Spine & Sports Medicine, PLLC, over the phone or request one online to learn more about your options.

What is joint pain?

Your joints are areas of your body where two bones meet. They consist of bone, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues. Joint pain can present as:

• Swelling
• Mild or severe discomfort
• Redness
• Dull, aching pain
• Shooting or stabbing pain
• Stiffness
• Reduced range of motion or mobility 

Joint pain can occur in your hips, spine, knees, shoulders, or other joints. If pain persists for more than several days or the discomfort is severe, see Dr. Pecoraro t for an evaluation.

What are the risk factors for joint pain?

Joint pain is often associated with genetics, a disease, an injury, or a combination of these. Factors that increase your risk of developing joint pain include:

• Strains and sprains
• Fractures
• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Bursitis
• Infections
• Tendonitis

You might experience joint pain with a sports injury, lifting something heavy, being in a car accident, or from normal wear and tear associated with aging.

How is joint pain diagnosed?

To diagnose the cause of joint pain, Dr. Pecoraro discusses your symptoms and reviews your medical history. He completes a physical exam and might use imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs, and blood tests to diagnose your condition.

What is the treatment for joint pain?

Your personalized joint pain treatment plan is based on the type of injury or disease you have and its severity. Dr. Pecoraro might recommend one or more of the following.

RICE therapy

RICE therapy is rest, ice, compression, and elevation, and can alleviate joint pain symptoms and accelerate your recovery.

Bracing

Wearing a knee, ankle, or back brace helps stabilize joints while an injury heals. Dr. Pecoraro lets you know which type of brace is right for you.

Injections

Steroid and/or local anesthetic injections can reduce inflammation and alleviate joint discomfort.

Radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation uses radiofrequency waves to decrease nerve activity responsible for sending pain signals to your brain. The procedure is minimally invasive with no downtime.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy exercises and stretches help strengthen your joints, improve range of motion, and enhance healing naturally. 

Surgery

If conservative treatments for relieving joint pain haven’t worked or if an injury is severe, Dr. Pecoraro can refer you to a qualified surgeon in your area for a consultation. 

Don’t live with chronic joint pain that makes everyday tasks feel unbearable. Schedule an appointment with Coastal Spine & Sports Medicine, PLLC, over the phone or request one online today.