Body Pain: Symptoms, Causes and Relief

Knee & Hip Pain

Pain in the knee can have a variety of causes, including sprains, strains, tears and in some cases fractures or arthritis. Symptoms of injury to the knee include:

• Swelling
• Pain
• Joint laxity (feeling of looseness in the joint)
• Inability to straighten the leg
• Pain behind the kneecap

Pain in the hip can also have a variety of causes, including injury and osteoarthritis. Symptoms of hip problems include:

• Pain in the groin area
• Pain in the thigh or knee
• Stiffness or feeling a reduced range of motion

Weight-bearing pain.

Knee and hip pain should be investigated by your doctor who can identify the cause and recommend appropriate management.

Shoulder & Neck Pain

Shoulder pain is common and appears deep in the joint, in the back or front of the shoulder itself or even in the upper part of the arm. It can come from a range of causes including:

Injury or sprain

Problems in other parts of the body which cause referred pain

• Injury from manual labour, sports, or repetitive movement
• Poor posture
• steoarthritis
• Lack of use (e.g. after injury)

The neck supports the head and is a highly mobile part of the body. Common causes of neck pain include poor posture, osteoarthritis and injury.

Back pain

Back pain is a common type of pain. Common causes of back pain include:

Lifting injuries

• Awkward movements
• Not being active enough
• Poor posture
• Being overweight
• Muscle tension (which can be caused by stress)

Joint pain caused by osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a chronic (long-term) disease of the joints that may have symptoms that fluctuate or progress over time. Some of the symptoms include:

• Pain that worsens with activity
• Joint stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes in the morning
• Joints that ‘pop’ and ‘crack’ when you move them
• Joints that feel like they ‘give way’

Sprains & Strains

Sprains and strains are soft-tissue conditions that affect muscles, tendons and ligaments. Strains injure muscles or tendons, usually caused by a fall, twist or over stretching. Symptoms include pain, muscle spasms and muscle weakness.

Sprains on the other hand are caused by stretching and sometimes tearing of ligaments. Typical symptoms are pain, bruising, swelling and inflammation that may limit how well you can move a limb or joint.

Preventing body pain

Minimise the risk of accidental injury by practicing safe lifting techniques, wearing appropriate equipment and protective gear for the activity you are undertaking and avoiding trip hazards. If you’re over the age of 45 years, are overweight or have had previous muscle or joint injuries, make sure you regularly check in with your doctor to screen for conditions like osteoarthritis.

Important

This article is for general information only and not intended as a substitute for medical advice. All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health-related matters, always consult your healthcare professional.

This medicine may not be right for you. Read the label before purchase. Follow the directions for use. Incorrect use could be harmful. If symptoms persist, talk to your healthcare professional.