Joint pain in pregnancy

Joint pain during pregnancy is the most painful manifestation of musculoskeletal disorders. In order to correctly understand the signal of your body during pregnancy, you must first understand the cause of joint pain during pregnancy - and only then can you apply the correct course of treatment and not be afraid of complications. Pain significantly affects a woman's life during pregnancy. After all, pain is not just an unpleasant sensation. It affects everyday concerns, the ability to provide for personal life, and relationships with people around you. Many pregnant women cannot distinguish joint pain from pain near the joint, not counting more serious injuries. Only a doctor can say with certainty what exactly provoked the appearance of joint pain during pregnancy.

Arthritis is a universal term that denotes the presence of an inflammatory process in the joints. But it is not a diagnosis. Today, scientists distinguish about 100 types of arthritis. A correct diagnosis is the path to correct treatment, so diagnosis is very important.

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Diseases that cause joint pain during pregnancy

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Joint pain related to pregnancy

During pregnancy, the level of secretion of the hormone relaxin increases, which makes the pelvic ligaments softer and allows them to stretch: this is necessary for normal labor. The only problem is that relaxin affects all ligamentous tissues, in particular on the elbows, knees, shoulders, and so on. Therefore, even your normal weight can be very risky for weak joints, which can lead to joint pain.

Joint pain not related to pregnancy

1. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, the most common type of arthritic disease. The older a woman is, the more the previously elastic cartilage that protects the joints from injury and damage hardens, loses its elasticity, and becomes vulnerable. The cartilage becomes worn, the ligaments and tendons are stretched, which provokes the appearance of pain. Osteoarthritis affects any joint, most often the spine, knees, hips, and fingers suffer from it. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint pain, bone-like bumps on the joints of the fingers. Pain medications and dietary supplements such as chondroitin and aminoglucose can reduce pain. It may also be necessary to make certain changes to a person’s lifestyle, for example, to lose weight, which will reduce the load on the joints.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis. This type of arthritis differs significantly from the above-mentioned degenerative joint disease. The inflammatory process in the joints develops in two parts of the body - this is the symmetry that is the key feature for diagnosing this type of disease. Among the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, one can also name pain and swelling of the joints, their immobility, general weakness. Experts believe that bacteria and viruses can have a detrimental effect on the body's immune system and force it to attack both joints and other organs. Rheumatoid arthritis is a fairly dangerous disease that can end in death. The key to successful treatment of this disease is early diagnosis and intensive therapy. These two key points can help to avoid disability and continue a person's life.
3. Temporal arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica are inflammatory diseases that often accompany each other. Polymyalgia rheumatica affects large joints, such as the shoulder and hip. Temporal arteritis is an inflammation of the blood vessels of the head, in particular the eyes. Both diseases are caused by an attack of the immune system directed at healthy tissue. Pain and immobility of the hip and shoulder joints, high body temperature, weight loss, general weakness are the main symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica. Often, the only symptom is extreme weakness that prevents a person from getting up from a chair or bringing his hand to his face. The most common symptom of temporal arteritis is an acute headache.
4. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that is accompanied by pain and sensitivity in many areas of the body, as well as insomnia and general weakness. The cause of this condition is still unknown, but it certainly has nothing to do with joint, nerve and muscle injuries. One theory suggests that the condition may be related to hypersensitivity of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Another theory suggests that fibromyalgia is related to an imbalance of chemicals in the body that are responsible for pain sensitivity and mood. The imbalance likely causes decreased activity, insomnia, weakness, sensitivity and pain. Fibromyalgia is an incurable condition. The main goal of treatment is to overcome pain, weakness, depression, decreased activity and other symptoms of the condition that interfere with a woman’s ability to lead a normal life.
5. Depression. A terrible mood is not the only sign of depression. There are physical symptoms, such as unexplained joint pain during pregnancy. The most common symptoms of depression are frequent headaches, abdominal pain, and back pain. Such physical symptoms can be triggered by depression, and they last much longer than emotional symptoms. Some doctors believe that such symptoms are signs of fibromyalgia. Depression and fibromyalgia are clearly connected. Depression can increase susceptibility to pain.

It is very important that a woman who has joint pain during pregnancy seeks help from a specialist in a timely manner. First of all, you need to consult a family doctor who will analyze the symptoms and tell you which specialist you need to contact.