Treatment for joint injuries & conditions

A joint is the area where two or more bones meet and fit together. Tissues within a joint include tendons, cartilage, ligaments, and synovial fluid. Joint problems happen when something goes wrong with any of these components. 

At Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican hospitals, our orthopedic specialists can address your joint conditions and injuries in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV.  Find an orthopedist for personalized treatment.

Joint conditions and injuries we commonly treat at Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican include: 

 

Causes of joint conditions & injuries?

Overuse injuries from repetitive motions are a common cause of problems such as stress fractures and tendonitis. Overuse combined with age-related wear and tear on the joints can increase the risk of osteoarthritis. Traumatic injuries, which are usually accidental or sports injury-related, are the usual cause of acute injuries, such as dislocations, sprains, and broken bones.

Some joint conditions have very specific causes. For example, gout occurs when uric acid crystals deposit in the joint. People who develop gout either produce too much uric acid or the body can’t flush it out well.

 

Common symptoms of joint conditions & injuries

Signs and symptoms of common joint conditions and injuries depend on the specific problem. Pain is a common symptom of a joint problem. The pain varies with the cause, from sharp and severe to dull and achy. Other symptoms include:

  • Stiffness
  • Limited range of motion
  • Swelling and warmth over the joint

For fractures and dislocations, the joint may have a noticeable deformity. Many joint conditions and injuries also affect the muscles. As a result, you may also notice tenderness, muscle aches, or bruising.

 

Treatment & prevention 

Your specific joint condition or injury will determine your options for treatment and prevention. You and your doctor will discuss your risk factors for future problems, medical history, and overall health to help create a personalized treatment plan.

Many joint conditions and injuries respond to home treatment with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines can also be effective. If these methods aren’t relieving your pain, your doctor may recommend physical therapy or joint injections with a corticosteroid. Surgery is sometimes necessary to treat joint conditions and injuries.

Physical therapy is helpful in preventing common joint conditions and injuries and maintaining joint range of motion, strength, and flexibility. Learning proper body mechanics and strategies to protect your joints, including the use of protective gear and padding, can also be beneficial. These strategies are particularly useful for people who play sports. Talk to a sports medicine expert at Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican to learn more.

Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican provides care for orthopedic conditions, such as joint problems, in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV.

Joint Conditions & Injuries