Managing Sacroiliac Joint Pain: Effective Treatment Options

Sacroiliac joint pain is one of the lesser-known joint conditions. This doesn't make it any less painful or hindering, but it might be harder to recognize when you have it, which is why it's so important to understand the condition.

In this article, we will talk about the sacroiliac joint, its function, potential causes of pain in the area, and your treatment options. Stay with us if you'd like to learn more about sacroiliac joint pain and find the best pain relief options.

Understanding the sacroiliac joint

When it comes to joints, the ones that first come to mind are the knees, shoulders, elbows, and probably the wrists. The sacroiliac joint - often referred to as the SI joint or SIJ - is less apparent than those.

We can find it in the pelvis, connecting the sacrum and the ilia. Its function is vital, as it bears the weight of the entire upper body, transfers torque and acts as a shock absorber for the spine.

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is often confused with other lower back conditions. The pain might appear in the lower back and the buttocks and radiate to the legs, groin, or hips. So, sometimes it might be hard to pinpoint the source of the pain.

What causes sacroiliac joint pain?

Sacroiliac joint pain can stem from many different conditions. We will take a look at the most common ones.

Injury or trauma

The SI joint has a shock-absorbing function, but it has its limits. The force of a fall or an accident could cause damage to the joint, which might lead to acute or chronic pains.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a term that encompasses many different joint conditions. Some of these could affect the sacral joints as well.

Osteoarthritis, a wear-and-tear disease, might sometimes appear in the SI joints. Systemic inflammatory arthritides like rheumatoid arthritis could also cause sacrum pain. Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that causes inflammation in the spinal joints, and can affect the sacral area as well.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy and delivery, the sacroiliac joint is subject to extreme stress. Its weight-bearing function becomes even more important, the changes in movement may put more stress on the joints, and the joint has to loosen and stretch to give space during delivery. These may lead to sacral pain.

Infection

In some cases, local or systemic infections might affect the sacroiliac joint. When this occurs, we might experience other symptoms, like fever, besides the joint pain.

Inflammatory conditions

SIJ pain might also result from some inflammatory diseases or autoimmune conditions. Lupus, for example, is one of the autoimmune diseases that attacks the joints as well. These systemic conditions usually come with a plethora of other symptoms.

Diagnosing sacroiliac joint dysfunction

Diagnosing SI joint dysfunction might be challenging, as its symptoms are similar to other lower back conditions.

Doctors usually perform multiple tests, like orthopedic provocations and X-ray or MRI imaging, to pinpoint the cause of pain. One surefire way to diagnose sacroiliac joint pain is to inject numbing agent directly into the joint. If the pain goes away, that indicates that the cause lies within the joint.

Treatment options for sacroiliac joint pain

The course of treatment for SI pain depends on the underlying cause. Different conditions might call for different treatment methods.

Medications for SI joint dysfunction

OTC or prescription painkillers can provide reliable pain relief.

Sacroiliac dysfunction might also cause muscle spasms which could be treated with muscle-relaxing drugs.

If you are dealing with an autoimmune condition, doctors might recommend DMARDs or immunosuppressants.

In some cases, doctors might use corticosteroid injections to alleviate pain, inflammation, and joint stiffness. The effect of these injections usually lasts for an extended period of time.

Physical therapy

Certain exercises for SI joint pain can help manage your symptoms. Physical therapists can teach you the right exercises for your condition. Gentle stretches might reduce pain and improve mobility. And strengthening the muscles around the painful area can help stabilize the joint and reduce stress.

When dealing with SI joint pain, it's crucial to keep a proper posture, as this will help distribute weight more evenly and reduce the load on the painful joint. So, improving your posture could be another way to relieve sacroiliac joint pain.

You might also consider changing your routine movements and investing in an ergonomic office chair and a mattress. These can reduce stress on the SI joint during everyday activities.

Alternative remedies for sacroiliac joint dysfunction

Some alternative pain relief methods can effectively supplement your pain management routine.

Allowing the painful joints to rest and avoiding further stress is always advisable when dealing with joint pains.

Heat and cold therapy is a science-backed and effective method that might help ease lesser pains, and it doesn't interfere with traditional drugs.

Some herbal remedies might also reduce pain and inflammation. Capsaicin and menthol for example.

You can also use drug-free pain patches, like our Freedom patch, in addition to or in place of standard painkillers. Our innovative vibrotactile technology brings pain relief without the side effects of drugs.

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by Super Patch Team

Common Joint Pain Causes in Adults

Joint pain is a common challenge that might trouble us from time to time throughout our adult lives, especially as we get older and older. When we first experience it, our natural reaction is to look for the cause.

Causes of joint pain in adults

Joint pain in adults might result from a variety of diseases and conditions. In this article, we will explore these possible causes and their symptoms.

Sprain or strain

We might experience joint pain due to sprain or strain, especially after a fall or injury. A sprain is when the ligaments - the tissues connecting the bones - overstretch or tear. A strain is when the same thing happens to the muscles around the joint or the tissues that attach the muscles to the bones. Both conditions can cause intense joint pain, but they usually heal well without permanent damage.

Symptoms:

• Pain, tenderness, and swelling in the joint area
• Weakness of the affected joint
• Reduced weight-bearing capacity
• Muscle spasms or cramping
• Visible bruises in the area

Arthritis

Arthritis is an umbrella term that describes many different joint diseases that cause inflammation in the joints. These conditions may vary in their symptoms, severity, and possible treatment options. Most forms of arthritis are chronic conditions with no cure, so often, the goal of treatment is reducing the symptoms.

Symptoms:

• Inflammation of joints
• Joint pain
• Joint stiffness
• Possible redness and swelling around the joint

Hemarthrosis

Hemarthrosis means internal bleeding that leaks into the joint cavity. It might result from a bleeding disorder, injury, infection, or an autoimmune disease. The condition might also occur after surgery. When treating hemarthrosis, doctors look for the underlying cause of the bleeding and focus on fixing that. If hemarthrosis comes from an injury, it might often heal with rest.

Symptoms:

• Joint pain
• Swelling of the joint
• Possible discoloration under the skin
• The joint might feel warm to the touch

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that affects the whole body, causing musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and other problems. While joint pain might be common with the disease, it's usually only a small fraction of the symptoms. Fibromyalgia has no cure yet, so the best course of treatment is to minimize the impact of these symptoms.

Symptoms:

• Muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Digestive and bladder issues
• Mental symptoms like anxiety, depression, and insomnia

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the bones. It occurs when the bone tissues break down faster than they can be replaced. The condition causes the bones to become porous, brittle, weakened, and more prone to injuries. While osteoporosis doesn't directly cause joint pain, compression fractures can occur in weakened bones - especially in the vertebrae - which might feel like joint pain.

Symptoms:

• Your hair and nails might become brittle
• Weakened grip
• Receding gums
• Loss of height
• Bones break or fracture easily

Bursitis

The cushioning around the joints is called bursae. Bursitis is a condition when these little sacks of fluid become inflamed. The most commonly affected joints are the shoulders, elbows, and hips. But it can also occur in the knees, the heels, and the base of the big toe. Bursitis is often the result of repetitive stress on the joint.

Symptoms:

• Joint pain and stiffness
• The pain increases with movement or pressure
• Swelling
• Redness

Tendonitis

Tendons are strong, flexible tissues connecting the muscles to the bones and joints. Tendonitis is the inflammation of these tissues. The condition responds well to rest and medicine and usually heals on its own. However, long-term inflammation of these tissues can cause tearing, which might require other treatment methods as well, sometimes even surgery.

Symptoms:

• Dull pain in the area
• Possible swelling and tenderness

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect our jawbone to the skull. TJM dysfunction usually means pain and discomfort in the area or even reduced range of motion. The causes might be dental issues, different forms of arthritis, the physical stress of the joint, or many other medical conditions. TMJ treatment might include rest, medication, or managing the underlying condition that causes the dysfunction.

Symptoms:

• Discomfort or pain in the jaw
• Ear pain
• Locking of the jaw
• Clicking sound when chewing
• Uneven bite
• Headache
• Neck or shoulder pain

Adhesive capsulitis

Adhesive capsulitis - or more commonly known as frozen shoulder - is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the shoulders. The flexible tissues surrounding the shoulder become tighter and shrink, and the ability to move the shoulder decreases drastically over time. A frozen shoulder can develop due to trauma, the lack of movement after an injury, or inflammation. Treatment can include physical therapy, medications, or surgery. The shoulder usually heals on its own, even without treatment, but it will take much longer.

Symptoms:

• Stiffness in the shoulder
• Movement becomes painful
• Drastically decreased range of motion

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS)

Patellofemoral pain syndrome - also known as PFPS - is a medical term that describes pain in - or around - the kneecap. The pain increases when walking up or down stairs, squatting, or flexing the knee. It can result from repeated stress or the misalignment of the kneecap. Treatment usually involves resting the joint, managing the pain, and avoiding further stress.

Symptoms:

• Knee pain that gets worse with repeated movements
• Pain after long periods of sitting
• Cracking sounds when bending the knee

What to do if you experience joint pain?

While every joint condition and disease is different, with different treatment options, these simple tactics can help you to ease the pain in most cases.

• Let the joint rest
• Avoid further stress and overuse
• Despite the pain, don't entirely stop moving the joint
• Avoid high-impact activities
• Apply an ice pack to the joint
• Explore pain management options

When to see a doctor?

Mild joint pains resulting from bruises or overuse may easily go away just by letting the joint rest and heal. In other cases, seeing a doctor might be crucial.

You should seek professional help if:

• The pain doesn't improve for more than two weeks
• The pain gets worse over time
• You can't perform everyday activities
• The pain affects your sleep

You should seek emergency assistance if you experience the following symptoms:

• Joint pain accompanied by fever
• The joint is red, swollen, and feels hot
• You are unable to walk or move the joint
• You experience severe pain after an accident or injury
• The joint moves out of place
• Tingling sensation or loss of feeling in the area

The above symptoms might signal severe trauma, nerve damage, or an infection, all of which should get immediate treatment to avoid permanent damage.

Joint pain relief

Pain management is an integral part of the treatment for any painful joint condition as it makes the healing process easier and less uncomfortable. If you'd like to know more about your options, check out our article on joint pain management.

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by Super Patch Team

Joint pain relief – What are your options?

Joint pain can significantly impact our quality of life, turning even simple everyday tasks into tough challenges. It might stem from overuse, stress, injury, or disease, but regardless of the root cause, finding the correct pain management options is crucial to restoring mobility and overall well-being.

We will explore various techniques and approaches for pain relief. By understanding the options and adopting a holistic approach, you will be able to manage joint pain and regain control of your life.

Understanding the causes of joint pain

Joint pain can be acute and chronic. The source of it can range from mild overuse to incurable diseases that affect the whole body. Arthritis, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune conditions, injuries, old age, wear and tear of the tissues; there are so many things that can cause joint pain.

So, to effectively manage joint pain, it's crucial to understand the cause. It will not only help you find the correct pain management options, but by identifying the source, you might be able to discover any dangerous underlying issues that might need additional attention.

If you want to learn more about diseases that might affect your joints, make sure you read our joint pain guide as well. And don't forget that it's always best to consult a doctor if you experience severe or long-standing joint pain.

Joint pain medications

One of the most reliable ways to manage joint pain is through drugs. These pills and injections can effectively treat even severe pains. There are three types of medication:

Over-the-counter pain medications for joint pain

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are those you can purchase in your supermarket or a grocery shop. There are generally two options when it comes to OTC pain relief medications:

1. Acetaminophen, or paracetamol, is a drug that can reduce mild pains and fever. Tylenol and Panadol are the most common acetaminophen.
2. Most NSAIDs are oral medications, but they also come in topical solutions like creams, gels, and pain patches, which might prove effective when dealing with joint pain.

Prescription pain medications for joint pain

In cases of severe pain, doctors might prescribe painkillers with more potent ingredients.

Higher prescription-strength NSAIDs and steroids are prescribed for severe or chronic joint pain. They help reduce inflammation, provide pain relief, and improve joint function.

Opioids which have potent analgesic effects, such as codeine or oxycodone, are also prescribed for severe joint pains when other medications have been ineffective. These medications tend to have a higher risk of serious side effects, and their continuous use can lead to addiction.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are sometimes used to treat inflammatory joint conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis.

These drugs relieve pain by altering the disease's progression and reducing symptoms. They work by suppressing the immune system and reducing the autoimmune reaction of these joint diseases, which comes with the downside of a weakened immune function.

Non-medicine-based joint pain relief options

In addition to drugs, doctors sometimes recommend alternative pain management methods or treatments that provide relief for joint pains. These techniques can often be used alongside traditional medications and provide additional pain relief.

Pain relief therapies

Different therapies exist that target painful areas and relieve the pain through specific activities:

1. Physical therapies focus on targeted exercises, stretches, and techniques to improve joint function, enhance mobility, and reduce pain. By using personalized rehabilitation strategies, physical therapy can promote long-term joint health.
2. Temperature therapies involve the application of heat or cold to the affected joint. While heat therapy through warm compressions or heating pads can help relax muscles, increase blood flow, and alleviate stiffness, Cold therapy through ice packs can reduce inflammation, numb the area, and provide temporary pain relief for inflamed joints.
3. Massage therapy can provide pain relief through the manipulation of soft tissues. It reduces muscle tension, enhances flexibility, and improves circulation.

It is important to note that while such therapies undoubtedly help in relieving pain, they have to be done or recommended by professionals.

Assistive devices

Most joint issues make movement difficult and painful. Assistive devices such as canes, braces, and orthotics can provide external support to joints, redistributing weight and reducing stress on painful areas. These devices can reduce strain on the joints and allow individuals with joint pain to engage in daily activities with greater comfort.

Meditation

Meditation is a proven way to increase your overall well-being and relieve pain at the same time. It triggers the release of endorphins, a hormone that acts as a natural painkiller. Furthermore, it reduces stress, improves emotional health, and increases focus.

Lifestyle changes

Minor lifestyle changes can also help reduce stress on the joints and promote overall joint health. Below are a few changes you can incorporate in your daily life which can prevent long-term pain problems:

• Rest your painful joints at the end of the day.
• Maintain a proper posture to distribute weight when lifting heavy objects.
• Follow a healthy and balanced diet to provide the essential nutrients for the tissues.
• Regularly exercising and maintaining a healthy weight to reduce the load on the painful joints especially, your knees and foot.

Regular check-ups and screenings with your healthcare provider

Natural remedies for joint pain relief

Several natural ingredients can also be used to treat pain and provide relief. However, not all natural remedies are scientifically proven and sometimes have only anecdotal evidence supporting their use. Make sure that you always check the official medical opinion or consult with your doctor before trying something new.

Herbal remedies for joint pain

People who'd like to avoid the side effects of traditional drugs might turn to herbal remedies in supplement forms or herbal pain patches to alleviate mild joint pains and symptoms.

Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and proved to be effective in treating osteoarthritis patients. Chamomile and boswellia have also shown good results in treating joint pains.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Research on Omega-3 fatty acids has shown that they may support the cardiovascular system, boost immunity, and support brain health with some evidence suggesting that they may protect against cartilage loss and reduce joint inflammation.

These essential fatty acids naturally occur in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, but they are also available as dietary supplements, containing a higher dosage.

Topical essential oils

Research suggests that topically used essential oils, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender, may reduce joint pain and stiffness. These oils possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can provide a soothing effect.

Innovations in drug-free joint pain relief options

While traditional painkillers are usually reliable and some of them can alleviate even severe pains, their side effects can't be ignored, especially in the long run. Alternative or natural pain relief options come with less serious side effects, but often they are not as potent and/or consistent as traditional drugs.

New technologies and solutions arise from time to time. These solutions often come in the form of pain patches due to their ease of application and contour-binding properties that allow the users to apply them anywhere on their body. Besides the few types of patches mentioned earlier, some patches use weak electrical currents to relieve pain, and there is the Freedom Patch that is apart and ahead of others. Freedom Patch from Super Patch is a pain relief patch backed by strong scientific research and the principle of providing a drug-free solution. The Freedom Patch uses vibrotactile technology which communicates directly with the nerve pathways to disrupt pain signals and alleviate pain. Our Freedom Patch along with other patches is FDA-registered, non-invasive and 100% drug-free making it an effective solution for pain relief without any side effects.

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by Super Patch Team

Joint Pain in Foot: Causes and Treatment Options

Foot joints play a vital role in our everyday lives, allowing us to stand, walk, and engage in various physical activities. However, when joint pain strikes, it can significantly hinder our mobility and quality of life.

Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for foot joint pain is crucial for effective pain management and treatment.

In this article, we will explore the most prevalent causes, common prevention strategies, and pain management techniques.

Understanding foot joints and their functions

The foot consists of numerous joints, including the ankle, the heel, the toes, and various joints within the midfoot and forefoot. And they all play a vital role in providing stability, flexibility, and support to the entire body.

When we experience joint pain in the feet, these vital functions might suffer, leading to reduced mobility, loss of stability, and a decreased ability to perform everyday activities like walking.

What causes joint pain in the foot?

Joint pain might stem from many different sources. Overuse, injuries, joint diseases, and other medical conditions could all cause pain in the foot.

Below, we'll look at the most common causes.

Sprain and strain

Strains and sprains are common injuries that can result in joint pain in the feet. A strain is the overstretching or tearing of the muscles or tendons, often caused by repetitive or forceful movements. And a sprain is when the same happens to the ligaments that connect the bones, typically caused by sudden twists or impacts.

Both conditions can lead to inflammation, stiffness, swelling, and joint pain.

Injury

Falls, accidents, or sport-related impacts can all cause trauma to the joints and result in damage. This can range from mild to severe injuries, causing pain, discomfort, swelling, and instability in the joint.

Infection

Infections can cause trouble in any part of the body, including the joints. The infection could be isolated in the joint space, but it might also be part of a bigger, systemic issue.

Bacteria, fungi, and viruses can all infect the joint tissues or fluids. These might result in symptoms like high fever, inflammation, swelling, redness, and pain.

An infection left untreated might cause severe damage. So, it's best to get medical assistance as soon as possible.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a term that refers to a variety of joint conditions. Most of these diseases cause inflammation and potentially foot and ankle pain.

Arthritis has many different forms, each with its unique symptoms and progression curves. Most of them are incurable chronic conditions. The ones most commonly affecting the joints of the feet are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Gout is also a worthy mention here, as its most common first symptom is big toe pain.

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation in the plantar fascia, the soft tissue at the base of your feet, connecting the heel to the toes.

When this tissue suffers from overuse, overstretching, or other trauma, it might swell, become inflamed, and cause severe pain in the heels and the bottom of the foot.

Bunion

Hallux valgus is when the bones in your forefoot misalign, which might result in bony lumps - called bunions - forming on the side of the feet. These bumps might cause toe joint pain, reduced range of motion in the toes, and visible bulge or swelling.

Bursitis

Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae. These are little, delicate fluid-filled cushions around the joints. This inflammation leads to joint pain that gets worse with movement. Other symptoms might include swelling, redness, and stiffness of the foot joint.

Capsulitis

Capsulitis is an inflammation in the ligament of the joint. When it occurs in the foot, it almost always affects the second toe or rarely the third toe. It causes joint pain in the ball of the foot under the affected toe. Capsulitis often gets worse over time, sometimes even leading to joint dislocation.

Tendinitis

Tendons are thick and tough tissues that connect the bones and the muscles. They might get inflamed due to overuse, repetitive movement, or trauma. When this happens, we call the condition tendinitis or tendonitis.

Tendinitis in the foot often affects the Achilles tendon, which results in tenderness and pain in the ankle and the heel.

How to manage joint pain in the foot?

Whatever the cause, foot pain can be a hindering experience that might restrict your movement and everyday activities. So, pain management is a crucial part of any treatment plan.

Let's take a look at your options when it comes to foot pain relief.

Painkillers and traditional drugs

OTC or prescription painkillers are one of the most reliable methods of pain management available.

Standard analgesics like paracetamol can ease pain, while nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce inflammation in addition to pain relief.

When the pain is caused by some chronic condition, doctors might recommend additional medicines. For example, an autoimmune disease might call for DMARDs, and corticosteroids can relieve chronic joint pains like arthritis.

While traditional drugs are effective and proven pain management methods, their downside lies in their side effects, which might be more apparent when we take them for long periods.

Physical therapy and movement modifications

In addition to drugs, mechanical methods could also help relieve joint pain in the foot.

Physical therapy is a good example, where a certified professional can teach us exercises and gentle stretches. These could help by reducing stiffness, improving circulation, and strengthening the joints.

Another mechanical way to relieve foot pain is through movement modifications. This can be as simple as changing the way you sit at work or spending less time in positions that put stress on the painful foot joints. Some equipment, like shoe inserts, braces, bandages, and walking canes could offer additional support to the foot joints. These might reduce the weight and stress on the painful joint, or restrict movement to some degree, stabilizing the joint to let it heal faster.

Good posture and ergonomics might also be crucial to avoid joint pains in the feet. Consider investing in quality shoes and shoe inserts, especially if your work requires walking or standing on your feet for extended periods.

Drug-free pain remedies

Whether you have allergies, want to avoid the side effects of traditional drugs, or you're looking for supplemental pain relief, drug-free pain remedies might be the answer.

Heat and cold therapy, for example, is an effective and science-backed way to relieve pain. It's entirely drug-free and doesn't interfere with traditional medicines.

Another option might be drug-free pain patches. Our Freedom pain patches, for example, use innovative vibrotactile technology, which communicates directly with the nervous system to reduce pain, and does this in an entirely non-invasive way without any drugs.

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by Super Patch Team

Hand joint pains – Causes, diagnosis, and treatments

There are very few things in our everyday lives that don't require the use of our hands. No wonder hand joint pains are among the most disrupting experiences.

Understanding the symptoms, underlying causes, and treatment options can help you manage your hand pain and return to your pain-free life.

Understanding joints of the hand and their functions

The human hand is a complex structure of bones, joints, and tissues allowing us to make delicate movements, act with incredible precision, and perform various tasks. Some scientists even believe that our opposable thumbs made it possible for humans to evolve such complex brains and develop what we know as culture.

There are a total of 27 bones in the wrist and hand, connected by numerous joints, and more than 30 muscles to control it.

As such a delicate structure, used for everyday tasks, hands are especially prone to injury and damage from overuse, and many joint diseases might affect them.

Joint pain in the hands can disrupt this well-oiled operation, cause discomfort and make our life significantly harder.

Causes of hand joint pain

With so many moving parts, pain in the wrist and hand might stem from many different conditions. Below, we'll discuss some of the most common ones and their symptoms.

Injury

We use our hands for many daily tasks, which puts them at a higher risk of injury. Accidents and falls can damage the joints or structure of our hands, but even simple things such as overuse can lead to hand injuries.

Depending on the severity of the injury, it might simply heal with rest, or we'll need to see a doctor for treatment. In some severe cases, surgery might be necessary.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a term that refers to many different joint conditions, all of which might cause joint pain and inflammation. Most of these conditions are incurable, chronic diseases, so the focus of treatment is usually reducing the everyday impact of symptoms. Arthritis in the hands is a common form of the disease.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types, both of which might affect the joints of the hand.

Gout is a form of arthritis that causes sharp pain attacks and might appear in the hand joints.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage at the base of our hand and forearm. Its function is to protect the median nerve and tendons of the forearm.

Due to overuse, inflammation, or other underlying issues, the carpal tunnel might get too narrow, which might apply pressure to the median nerve. This can lead to numbness, pain, and tingling in the hands or the forearm.

Tendinitis

Tendons are tissues that attach our muscles to the bones. Tendinitis occurs when these tissues get inflamed, often due to overuse, repetitive movements, or overstretching.

Tendinitis is a common underlying cause of hand pain because of how much use they see.

De Quervain's tenosynovitis

De Quervain's tenosynovitis (also referred to as tendinitis or tendinosis) is a condition that affects the tendons alongside the wrist and thumb.

These tendons get swollen due to irritation or the narrowing of the tendon sheath, leading to

stiffness and joint pain in the thumb and the side of the wrist and sometimes affecting the forearm too.

De Quervain's tendinosis is more common among women, and pregnancy is a risk factor in developing the condition.

Trigger finger

Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition affecting the tendons in the hand responsible for flexing the fingers.

When these tendons or their tendon sheaths get swollen or irritated, leading to pain and stiffness. The typical symptom of trigger finger is the locking or catching of the tendon, causing a popping sound when flexing the fingers.

Systemic conditions

In some cases, joint pain is not a standalone condition but only the symptom of an underlying issue. Some chronic diseases might affect the entire body, leading to various symptoms, including hand joint pains.

Fibromyalgia or the autoimmune disease lupus, for example.

Diagnosing hand joint pains

Hand and wrist pains are often the result of simple overuse. In these cases, resting the hand might solve the problem. But if the pain doesn't go away with rest, you'll need to consult a health care professional for diagnosis.

Doctors might use a combination of physical examination methods, imaging techniques, and body fluid tests to determine the source of pain and to identify possible underlying conditions.

Treatment options for hand joint pains

When it comes to joint pain in the wrist or hand, pain management is crucial. Not only it helps us keep performing everyday tasks, but in some cases hastens or makes the healing process more comfortable.

Below, we'll explore various pain management methods and techniques that could help you relieve hand and wrist pains.

Pain medications for hand joint pain

Traditional analgesics, like paracetamol, can ease acute hand pains from an injury or overuse. If the source of pain is inflammatory, then nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) could provide effective relief.

For chronic conditions such as autoimmune conditions and arthritis, doctors might prescribe more potent drugs like disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or steroid injections.

Mechanical pain relief options

Besides traditional drugs, there are also some mechanical ways that might help relieve joint pain.

A physical therapist could teach you stretching exercises to loosen stiff joints, make your joints stronger and stabilize them. They can also help you with advice on modifying your everyday activities in a way that puts less stress on the painful joint.

Braces and bandages are simple but effective solutions to stabilize the joint and reduce stress and pain. Using ergonomic tools for everyday tasks, like typing, could not only help alleviate your existing joint problems but could also reduce the risk of future issues.

And let's not forget that resting the painful joint is oftentimes crucial for proper healing. Try to avoid repetitive movements and overuse as much as you can.

Alternative pain relief options

You might also want to look into other drug-free pain management methods. These can help you avoid the side effects of traditional medicines or even supplement them in your routine.

Heat and cold therapy is one effective and science-backed way to relieve pain without drugs.

Meditation can also help you reduce your body's reaction and sensitivity to pain signals while providing other benefits as well.

You could also try drug-free pain patches like our FDA-approved Freedom patch. With innovative vibrotactile technology, these patches reduce the pain signals right at the nerve level, providing non-invasive, safe, and drug-free pain relief.

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by Super Patch Team

Understanding Gout: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Gout is a form of arthritis that causes pain and inflammation in the joints.

While there is no cure for gout, you can manage symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease to regain your normal life. To do this, you will need to understand the symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Today we will talk about these and more!

What is gout?

Arthritis has many different forms, and gout is one of them. It’s an inflammatory disease caused by uric acid buildup in the body. This urate can form sharp little crystals in the joints resulting in pain flare-ups. At the same time, white blood cells will try to break down these crystals, producing toxic chemicals in the process, leading to inflammation and further discomfort.

While gout is incurable, it is possible to manage the progression and symptoms with certain medications and lifestyle changes.

Types and stages of gout

With gout, we can differentiate between primary and secondary gout. Primary gout is when the disease appears without any other underlying cause. Secondary gout, on the other hand, is usually either caused by some chronic kidney condition or might be a side effect of long-term medications.

Gout usually goes through different stages, progressively getting worse.

The first one is called asymptomatic hyperuricemia. As the name suggests, uric acid is already building up in the body, but the characteristic symptoms of gout are not apparent yet. At this stage, one has to focus on slowing down the further progression of the disease, usually by making some lifestyle changes.

The second stage of gout is called acute intermittent gout, where uric acid starts to form crystals in the joint, causing pain flare-ups. These attacks usually last for a few days at a time. During this stage, you may experience pain, swelling, stiffness, and redness around the joint.

The disease then progresses to an advanced stage called chronic tophaceous gout. By this time, the urate crystals might have already damaged the cartilage and bones in the joint. The pain might get worse and more frequent.

While it’s not a form of gout, we should also mention pseudogout. It has similar symptoms to gout, hence the name. The difference lies in the underlying issue, as the cause of gout is uric acid buildup, while pseudogout results from abnormal calcium pyrophosphate deposition.

Gout symptoms

Similar to most other types of arthritis, the main symptom of gout is joint pain. This pain usually comes in the form of sudden flare-ups that might last for days at a time.

Patients with gout might experience the following symptoms in the joint area:

• Intense pain
• Sensitivity to touch
• Red, shiny skin
• Swelling
• The joint feels hot
• Tenderness
• Occasionally fever

The pain flare-ups or gout attacks follow an unpredictable but very characteristic pattern. They often start at night and can get worse over the course of several hours. Depending on the stage and severity of the disease, attacks might last from a few days to a few weeks.

The frequency of the attacks is usually unpredictable, but they will occur more often and with stronger symptoms as the disease progresses to later stages.

Gout usually affects only one joint at first, often the big toe. But over time, you might experience similar symptoms in other joints too.

It’s crucial to keep an eye on your gout symptoms, as it is possible to have multiple forms of arthritis at the same time. For example, a high fever alongside the above symptoms might indicate septic arthritis resulting from an infection that needs immediate treatment.

Diagnosing gout

Gout’s telltale symptoms usually make it easier to diagnose.

However, it is paramount to rule out other forms of arthritis, as they can occur simultaneously. And we should not forget about pseudogout either, a similar disease but with a different underlying cause.

X-ray and ultrasound imaging tests can help visualize the uric acid crystals and rule out other possible causes of joint inflammation. While blood tests can reliably display high levels of uric acid in the bloodstream, this doesn’t necessarily lead to gout in every case. For this reason, joint fluid might be drawn and examined for urate crystals.

Doctors will also try to rule out kidney problems, as some of these can be an underlying cause of gout and lead to further problems.

An early diagnosis can help slow down the progression of the disease and better manage the symptoms. This can be achieved by lifestyle changes and often medication.

Gout causes

Purine is a substance that occurs in the body and different foods, such as certain kinds of seafood, some meats and organs, and some forms of alcohol. When the body breaks down purine, it produces uric acid, a natural waste product. Then the kidneys filter it from the bloodstream, and it leaves the body through the urine.

The problem arises when either there’s too much uric acid in the body, or the kidneys fail to get rid of it properly. These may cause high levels of urate in the bloodstream, called hyperuricemia.

In some cases, this urate buildup accumulates around the joints, forming sharp little crystals. That is what we call gout.

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing gout.

Purine, and therefore uric acid levels can be affected by our diet choices. Foods that cause gout are red meats, some kinds of seafood, fructose, and some alcoholic beverages like beer. Avoiding these can reduce risks and slow down the progression of already-developed gout.

Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising are very important with all sorts of arthritis as these will reduce the stress on the joints by putting less weight on them and strengthening the muscles in the surrounding areas.

Some medical conditions may also increase the risk of gout. Kidney conditions can affect the breakdown of uric acid in the body. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and some heart diseases may also increase the risk.

Other risk factors are beyond our control, like family history, age, and sex. Gout is more common and usually develops sooner in men. Gout in the family also increases your risk.

Gout treatment

When deciding on treatment options, it’s crucial to differentiate between primary and secondary gout. Secondary gout is caused by an underlying health issue, a kidney disease, for example. In this case, treating the underlying problem should be prioritized.

Regardless of the cause, slowing the progression and treating the symptoms are equally important. An early diagnosis can increase your chances of delaying the more severe stages of the disease.

The goal of gout treatment is usually twofold. We need to relieve the pain. And we need to lower uric acid levels in the body to slow down the progression of the disease.

Let’s look at the possible treatment options for gout.

Medication

For pain relief, doctors may prescribe different types of medicines, depending on the severity of the pain. In mild cases, analgesics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used. In more severe cases, corticosteroid or colchicine treatments might be recommended.

To lower uric acid levels, doctors can choose from a range of available medications, such as Allopurinol, Febuxostat, Pegloticase, Anakinra, or Canakinumab.

Lifestyle changes and diet

As with other forms of arthritis, staying active and maintaining a healthy weight can help slow down the progression of the disease.

One should follow a gout diet that reduces purine intake. It’s recommended to avoid the following foods as much as possible: high-fructose corn syrup, fatty meats, dairy products, organ meats, shellfish, anchovies, sardines, and alcoholic beverages.

Surgery

In severe cases, gout might cause irreversible damage to the joints. While surgery is a more drastic measure, doctors might advise it if a later stage of gout impacts the quality of your life severely.

It’s possible to surgically remove the uric acid crystals from around the joint. In cases of permanent damage, joint fusion or replacement surgery might be necessary.

Pain relief without the side effects

Pain is one of the major symptoms of gout. It affects your movement, your mood, and your everyday life.

Managing the pain flare-ups is not always easy. Painkillers and other medicines often come with undesired side effects, and alternative pain relief options are not always as effective.

Let me introduce to you our one and only Freedom SuperPatch! An effective pain management solution designed to be entirely drug-free, with no side effects. On its own or combined with other treatments, the Freedom pain patch will provide immediate gout pain relief during flare-ups.

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by Super Patch Team