Pain in the hips, knees or shoulders is typical among seniors, but it can happen to anyone regardless of age. Early studies have shown that 16 per cent of adults in the UK experience musculoskeletal pain. The NHS, meanwhile, reports that over 10 million people in the UK — from children to adults — have arthritis and other conditions that affect and cause pain in the joints.
Learn the causes of hip, knee and shoulder pain and use the guide below to manage the pain.
Causes of Hip, Knee and Shoulder Pain
Joint pain can have many causes: the NHS lists fracture or injury as one of the most common. This is true for young adults considering their active lifestyles and interest in contact sports, team sports and other activities that can stress the joints and tendons. Injuries can lead to inflammation of the ligaments and bleeding in the joints.
Arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid, psoriatic) is another common cause, specifically for multiple joint pain. Viral hepatitis, infection and diseases in the connective tissue like lupus and scleroderma are other possible causes.
Since these diseases are often associated with older people, young adults may realise too late that they also have these health problems.
Young adults and teenagers should watch out for symptoms of arthritis and consult their physicians if they experience:
- Tenderness in the hips
- Tendons that “snap and pop” when you move your hips or put weight on your knees
- Pain in the buttocks
- Shooting pain or numbness in the joints
Testing and Diagnosis
Considering the numerous possible reasons for hip, knee and shoulder pain, physicians must first verify the cause.
Your doctors may require an isolated or full-body x-ray scan, depending on the location of the pain. A full-body CT scan can produce a clearer image, however, because it takes 2D scans from different angles. Technicians can then put these 2D scans together to generate 3D images of your bones and joints.
Vista Health has you covered at this stage of your treatment. We have numerous clinics equipped with modern x-ray and CT scanning machines all over the UK. Simply get in touch with the nearest testing centre to book a session.
Pain Management: Simple Ways to Alleviate Hip, Knee and Shoulder Pain
If it takes time for medication and treatment to take effect, you can do the following to alleviate hip, knee and shoulder pain:
- Avoid strenuous activities
- Apply a cold compress on the swelling joints
- Take a warm bath or apply a hot compress on stiff, tight joints and muscles
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medicine
- Do basic stretching and low-impact exercises to help loosen strained or pinched nerve
- Find a comfortable sleeping position (a firm mattress and ergonomic pillows can also help)
- Minimise or eliminate consumption of alcohol
Vista Health Aids in Early Detection and Treatment
Don't ignore hip, knee and shoulder pain as it can indicate a serious health condition. Early detection is important, not just for pain management but also for treating any underlying disease.
Vista Health can provide accurate and comprehensive tests that will be crucial for determining the cause of hip, knee and shoulder pain. We accept referrals from doctors and also welcome direct bookings from patients around the UK. Contact the nearest of our 40+ locations to enquire about our X-ray and CT scan procedures.
Get accurate scans and reliable patient care at Vista Health. Enquire today.