Joint Pain

Joint discomfort is a common complaint affecting 70% of adults 50 and older. At Muskogee Family Practice in Muskogee, Oklahoma, Monica Hoog-Gage, ARNP, CNP, diagnoses the root cause of joint pain and provides treatments that lessen the discomfort. They have injections we can provide to prolong the decision for surgery. Call today to schedule a joint pain evaluation so the team can get you on the road to feeling better.

What is joint pain?

Joint discomfort affects one or more of your joints, where the ends of two bones connect together. Joints consist of ligaments, muscles, bones, tendons, cartilage, and other tissues. Joint pain can develop in your spine, hips, knees, ankles, toes, fingers, wrists, elbows, or shoulders. Its severity may be mild or severe. Treatment with Monica offers long-lasting relief. 

What are the symptoms of joint pain?

Joint pain may feel like:

• Dull aching
• Sharp pain
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Numbness
• Reduced range of motion
• Grinding or clicking sounds when moving a joint
• Painful movement 
• Warmth
• Redness
• Bruising
• Limited mobility

The discomfort you experience could come and go or gradually worsen over time when not treated. 

What may contribute to joint pain?

The following factors may increase the risk of joint pain:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Gout
• Age-related wear
• Sports injuries
• Bursitis
• Tendonitis
• Infections
• Fractures
• Sprains
• Previous joint injuries
• Overuse
• Stress
• Carrying excess body weight

Monica determines the root cause of the joint pain to determine how to best treat your condition. 

How is joint pain diagnosed?

Monica discusses your medical history and symptoms to help determine the underlying cause of your joint discomfort. She weighs you, checks your vital signs, and examines your joints. She may order blood testing, nerve tests, X-rays, an MRI, a CT scan, or other imaging procedures to obtain an in-depth view of your joint tissues and confirm a diagnosis. 

How is joint pain treated?

Monica may suggest one or more of the following joint pain treatments:

• Diet or exercise changes
• Medically supervised weight loss
• Dietary supplements
• Ice or heat packs
• Medication management
• Topical treatments
• Injections
• Physical therapy
• Surgery

Monica offers joint injections to decrease inflammation, lessen pain, maximize healing, and reduce the risk of further joint problems. If you need surgery because of a severe injury or joint degeneration, she will gladly refer you to a specialist. 

She follows up to ensure a lasting outcome and helps you effectively manage arthritis to lessen the risk of future joint damage and discomfort.

If you desire weight loss to take excess pressure off your joints, Muskogee Family Practice provides GLP-1 medications that make weight loss easy, fast, and sustainable. Monica is always available to address any concerns or questions. 

Call to schedule a joint pain evaluation with Monica at Muskogee Family Practice to ease ongoing discomfort today.