Joint Pain
Expert diagnosis and personalized treatment at Arthritis Care of Los Angeles.
What is Joint Pain?
Joint pain is one of the most common reasons patients visit a rheumatologist. Pain can occur in any joint — from the small joints of the fingers to the large joints of the hips and knees. Joint pain can be caused by many different conditions including various forms of arthritis, autoimmune diseases, injuries, infections, or other medical conditions. A thorough evaluation by a rheumatologist is important to determine the underlying cause and develop the most effective treatment plan. Finding the right diagnosis is the first step toward getting the right treatment.
Common Symptoms
- Pain in one or more joints
- Swelling, redness, or warmth around joints
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest
- Reduced range of motion
- Grinding or popping sensation with movement
- Joint instability or locking
- Pain that worsens with activity or is constant
- Difficulty with daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or gripping objects
Experiencing these symptoms? Get expert care today.
How is Joint Pain Diagnosed?
Diagnosing the cause of joint pain involves a comprehensive approach including detailed medical history, physical examination of all affected joints, blood tests (inflammatory markers, autoimmune antibodies, uric acid), and imaging studies (X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI). Dr. Forouzesh is experienced at distinguishing between the many possible causes of joint pain and identifying conditions that require specific treatment.
Treatment Options
Accurate Diagnosis
The most important first step. Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause — whether it is inflammatory arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, infection, or another condition.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or disease-specific medications depending on the cause of joint pain.
Joint Injections
Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections directly into the affected joint for targeted relief.
Physical Therapy
Exercises to strengthen muscles around the joint, improve mobility, and reduce pain.
Disease-Specific Treatment
If an underlying autoimmune or inflammatory condition is identified, targeted treatment with DMARDs or biologics may be recommended.
Key Statistics
58.5 Million
U.S. adults have doctor-diagnosed arthritis
Source: CDC
#1
Most common cause of disability in the U.S.
Source: Arthritis Foundation
1 in 4
U.S. adults affected by arthritis
Source: CDC
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Get Expert Care?
Schedule your appointment with Dr. Solomon Forouzesh, MD, FACP, FACR — a board-certified rheumatologist with 50++ years of expertise in arthritis and autoimmune diseases.