Most people experience joint pain now and then, particularly after performing physical activities they're not used to. Other joint issues, such as arthritis pain, can cause long-term or permanent damage if left untreated. Learn when and where to seek help for joint pain treatment.

Joint pain often results from an injury or chronic condition. One of the most common causes of joint pain is arthritis. There are several types of arthritis, and some are more common than others.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It develops when the cartilage in a joint starts to wear down. Osteoarthritis most often causes knee pain, hip pain, and hand pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body's immune system to attack the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause other health issues, such as fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and fever.

Arthritis symptoms include joint pain, stiffness and swelling, and decreased range of motion.

Watch out for these signs and symptoms to determine when you need to seek treatment for joint pains:

• Constant pain that is sharp or stabbing
• Difficulty moving the joint
• Fever with your joint pain
• Heat or redness of the skin over the joint
• Joint pain that affects your daily living
• Joint symptoms that occur several different times in a month
• Limping from pain
• Pain or swelling that doesn't go away
• Severe pain
• Swelling
• Unintentional weight loss

Some of the best providers to see for joint and muscle pain are your primary care provider or an orthopedic surgeon. Both primary care providers and orthopedic surgeons can help diagnose and treat joint pain. Still, only an orthopedic surgeon can step in with surgical interventions, such as a total hip replacement, if you need them.

If you've received a diagnosis of arthritis, there are some things you can do at home to manage your symptoms. One of the most important things you can do is lose weight if you are overweight. Extra body weight puts pressure on your joints, so maintaining a healthy weight can help relieve pain.

Make sure you're also getting enough physical activity. The American Heart Association recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, or a combination of the two. Aerobic activity is anything that increases your heart rate, such as walking, cycling, and swimming. You should also try to get at least two days of strength training per week, such as lifting weights or bodyweight exercises.

Union Health Orthopedics provides treatment options for joint pain. Some of those choices include:

• Antibiotics if the cause of joint pain is an infection
• Corticosteroid injections
• Joint replacement surgery
• Medication, such as an over-the-counter pain reliever
• Physical therapy