Joint Pain

Joint pain in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers, hips, knees, ankles, toes, and other areas can be caused by a variety of factors.
Don't dismiss it as "just old age"; a correct diagnosis of the cause leads to appropriate treatment.
Please feel free to consult us about any symptoms you're concerned about, such as joint pain, swelling, or difficulty moving.

• Thoroughly identify the cause through medical interview, palpation, and X-ray examination.
• Treatment tailored to your symptoms, including pain relievers, patches, and injections.
• Addresses a wide range of conditions such as rheumatism, gout, and osteoarthritis.
• No appointment necessary, same-day visits OK | Open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM.

👉 Same-day visits are possible without an appointment. Please feel free to consult us first.

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What is joint pain?

Joint pain is a general term for pain that occurs in the joints, which connect bones. While commonly referred to as "joint pain," the causes are diverse, including cartilage wear due to aging, inflammation, autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders, and injuries. Since the treatment method varies greatly depending on the cause, it is important to thoroughly investigate the cause rather than dismissing it as "just a vague pain."

What requires caution with joint pain is that there are diseases where the joints gradually get destroyed even if the pain is not severe (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), and diseases that recur if left untreated (e.g., gout). If you have a history of "the pain subsided after a while" repeatedly, we recommend getting it properly checked out.

⚠️ Please see a doctor early if any of the following apply:

• Your joint is swollen or warm to the touch.
• Your joint is stiff and difficult to move when you wake up in the morning (lasts for 30 minutes or more).
• Multiple joints hurt at the same time.
• Your joint suddenly became red, swollen, and intensely painful.
• The pain has continued for several weeks or more.
• You feel like your joint is becoming deformed.
• It hurts to put weight on your joint, making it difficult to walk.
• Joint pain accompanied by general symptoms such as fever or fatigue.

Joint Pain by Body Part and Main Causes

1. Shoulder Joint Pain

Shoulder joint pain is mainly caused by frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), rotator cuff tears, calcific tendinitis, and osteoarthritis of the shoulder. Symptoms typically include difficulty raising the arm, inability to reach behind the back, and pain that wakes you up at night.

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is common in people aged 40-60, where inflammation in the capsule surrounding the joint restricts movement. It progresses through an acute phase of severe pain, a freezing phase of stiffness, and a thawing phase of gradual recovery. Most cases recover over time, but appropriate rehabilitation and injections can accelerate recovery.

A rotator cuff tear is when the tendons that move the shoulder are torn, common in middle-aged and older adults. Symptoms include pain when lifting the arm and weakness. Diagnosis can be difficult with X-rays alone, and an MRI may be necessary.

Main Symptoms

• Pain when raising the arm / inability to raise the arm
• Inability to reach behind the back
• Pain worsens at night (nocturnal pain)
• Catching sensation when moving the shoulder
• Dull pain persists even at rest

2. Elbow Joint Pain

Elbow pain is often caused by tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis), osteoarthritis of the elbow, and cubital tunnel syndrome. It is common in people who repeatedly strain their elbows through sports, computer work, or lifting heavy objects.

Tennis elbow causes pain on the outside of the elbow when gripping objects, wringing a towel, or turning a doorknob. It frequently affects people who don't play tennis. Golfer's elbow causes pain on the inside of the elbow. Both are caused by inflammation due to overuse of the tendons and often improve with rest, patches, physical therapy, or steroid injections.

Main Symptoms

• Elbow pain when gripping or wringing objects
• Pain when pressing the outer or inner side of the elbow
• Pain when extending the arm
• Inability to fully extend or bend the elbow
• Numbness in the hand or fingers (nerve compression)

3. Wrist and Finger Joint Pain

Joint pain in the wrist and fingers can be caused by rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative arthritis of the fingers (Heberden's nodes, Bouchard's nodes), tendinitis (de Quervain's tenosynovitis), carpal tunnel syndrome, and gout.

Rheumatoid arthritis often causes symmetrical inflammation in the small joints of the wrists and fingers, with morning stiffness being a characteristic symptom. Early treatment can prevent joint destruction, so if you experience persistent symptoms like "stiff and difficult to move hands in the morning," prompt medical attention is important.

Heberden's nodes involve deformity and swelling of the first joint of the finger (closer to the nail), and are common in middle-aged and older women. Bouchard's nodes occur in the second joint. Aging and changes in female hormones are thought to be related.

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is an inflammation of the tendon sheath from the base of the thumb to the wrist, often occurring in mothers raising children and people who overuse smartphones.

Main Symptoms

• Hands and fingers are stiff and difficult to move when waking up in the morning
• Finger joints are swollen or have become deformed
• Pain from the base of the thumb to the wrist (de Quervain's)
• Pain when moving the wrist or fingers
• Numbness or abnormal sensation in the fingers (carpal tunnel syndrome)
• Feeling of decreased grip strength

4. Hip Joint Pain

Hip joint pain can be caused by osteoarthritis of the hip, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, labral tear of the hip, rheumatoid arthritis, and, in children, developmental dysplasia of the hip.

Osteoarthritis of the hip occurs when the cartilage in the hip joint wears down. In Japan, it often develops against a background of acetabular dysplasia (a structural problem with the hip joint). It is common in middle-aged and older women, starting with pain when beginning to walk or after walking for a long time, and progressing to pain even at rest.

Hip pain often occurs in the groin (base of the leg), buttocks, and inner thigh, and can sometimes be mistaken for lower back pain. There are cases where what was thought to be "back pain" was actually hip pain, so it's important to consider not only the location of the pain but also its association with movements.

Main Symptoms

• Pain in the groin, buttocks, or inner thigh when starting to walk
• Pain worsens after walking for a long time
• Difficulty opening your legs or squatting
• Pain or difficulty when putting on socks or cutting nails
• Feeling that your legs are different lengths

5. Knee Joint Pain

Knee joint pain is one of the most common types of joint pain, and can be caused by osteoarthritis of the knee, meniscus injury, knee ligament injury, rheumatoid arthritis, patellofemoral pain syndrome, and gout, among others.

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a condition in which pain occurs due to the wearing down of knee cartilage, common in middle-aged and elderly individuals, those who are obese, and those with bowlegs. It begins with symptoms such as "pain when going up and down stairs," "inability to sit in seiza," and "knee swelling," and can progress to difficulty walking. Symptoms can be managed with weight control, muscle strengthening exercises, pain relievers, and hyaluronic acid injections.

Meniscus injuries occur during sudden changes in direction during sports or deep knee bending, and are characterized by a catching sensation in the knee, locking (the knee suddenly becomes immobile), and pain with specific movements.

Main Symptoms

• Knee pain when going up and down stairs
• Inability to sit in seiza or squat
• Knee is swollen or warm to the touch
• Knee stiffness when starting to walk
• Sensation of water pooling in the knee
• Knee suddenly locks (locking)
• Sensation of the knee giving out

6. Ankle and Toe Joint Pain

Pain in the ankle and toes can be caused by sequelae of sprains, osteoarthritis of the ankle, gout, hallux valgus (bunion), hallux rigidus, and rheumatoid arthritis, among other factors.

Gout is an acute arthritis caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints. It commonly occurs at the base of the big toe and is characterized by sudden, severe pain, redness, and swelling. The phrase "even a breath of wind hurts" is said to be the origin of its name. It is common in people with high uric acid levels, those who drink alcohol frequently, and those who consume a lot of meat, fish roe, and liver. If attacks are repeated, the joint can be destroyed, so long-term management with uric acid-lowering drugs is important, in addition to treating the acute attacks.

Hallux valgus (bunion) is a condition where the big toe bends towards the second toe, and is associated with wearing narrow shoes, high heels, and foot shape issues. Pain from friction with shoes and pain during walking are the main symptoms.

Main Symptoms

• Sudden, severe pain and redness/swelling at the base of the big toe (gout)
• Chronic ankle pain or a feeling of instability
• Big toe bent outwards, rubbing against shoes (bunion)
• Pain or difficulty moving the toes
• Persistent ankle swelling

Main Diseases Causing Joint Pain

Disease Name	Characteristics/Common Sites
Osteoarthritis	Cartilage wear due to aging, obesity, and overuse. Common in knees, hips, fingers, shoulders. Common in middle-aged and elderly individuals.
Rheumatoid Arthritis	Autoimmune disease. Symmetrical inflammation in small joints such as fingers, wrists, toes. Characterized by morning stiffness. Common in women aged 30-50.
Gout	Uric acid crystal deposition in joints due to hyperuricemia. Common at the base of the big toe. Sudden, acute pain. Common in middle-aged and elderly men.
Pseudogout (Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease)	Arthritis due to calcium crystal deposition. Common in knees, wrists, shoulders. Common in elderly individuals.
Rotator Cuff Tear / Tendinitis	Inflammation/tearing of tendons or tendon sheaths. Common in shoulders, wrists, fingers. Related to overuse and aging.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)	Inflammation and stiffness around the shoulder joint. Common in people aged 40-60. Characterized by nocturnal pain and limited range of motion.
Meniscus Injury	Tear of the meniscus in the knee. Catching sensation, locking, pain with specific movements. Sports injury or degenerative changes due to aging.
Psoriatic Arthritis	Arthritis accompanying skin psoriasis. Characterized by "sausage fingers," where the entire finger swells.
Reactive Arthritis	Arthritis that occurs after an infection (e.g., chlamydia, enteric infection). Common in young men.
Septic Arthritis	Joint infection caused by bacteria. Acute fever, severe joint swelling, redness. Requires emergency treatment.

Tests and Treatments at Our Clinic

Test/Procedure	Purpose/Content
Medical interview, palpation, visual inspection	Carefully ascertain the location, nature, onset, and movements causing pain. Check for joint swelling, warmth, and deformity.
X-ray examination	Check for bone deformity, joint space narrowing, calcification, and bone erosion.
Blood test	Check for inflammatory markers (CRP, white blood cells), rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies, uric acid levels, blood glucose, thyroid, and other items necessary for differential diagnosis of underlying diseases.
Urine test	Evaluation of gout, confirmation of urinary uric acid excretion.
Prescription of pain relievers/patches	Relieve pain and inflammation with NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and acetaminophen.
Joint injection	Inject steroids/hyaluronic acid into the joint when pain is severe.
Immobilization/Supporter	Reduce stress on the joint and maintain rest.
Referral to a specialized hospital	Prepare a referral letter to a specialized hospital for expert treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis requiring surgery, or cases requiring MRI examination.

Blood test results can be provided as early as the next day if you visit by 5 PM (in partnership with Fukuyama Clinical Laboratory Center). Please consult us first if you wish to "check for rheumatism" or have been told you "have high uric acid levels."

Flow of Consultation

1. WEB reservation, or direct visit
   If you are in severe pain and have difficulty walking, please call us so we can guide you smoothly.
2. Reception and filling out the medical questionnaire
   Please fill in which joint is affected, when it started, what movements cause pain, presence of swelling or warmth, past medical history, and medications you are currently taking.
3. Doctor's examination
   The doctor will visually inspect and palpate the affected area and determine necessary tests.
4. X-ray and blood tests
   Necessary tests to identify the cause will be performed in-house. Blood test results will be provided as early as the next day.
5. Diagnosis, treatment, and prescription
   We will explain the cause and provide treatment tailored to your symptoms, such as pain relievers, patches, injections, and immobilization. If treatment at a specialized hospital is required, a referral letter will be prepared.
6. Payment and departure
   We will provide advice on precautions for daily life,目安 for your next visit, and lifestyle habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

I think it's "just old age, so it can't be helped," but is there any point in seeing a doctor?
Yes, there is. Even with osteoarthritis due to aging, proper treatment, rehabilitation, and lifestyle guidance can control pain and maintain quality of life. Also, it's not uncommon for symptoms thought to be "just old age" to actually be another condition like rheumatoid arthritis or gout.

My hands are stiff in the morning, is it rheumatism?
If morning stiffness persists for more than 30 minutes, it could be rheumatoid arthritis. This can be investigated with a blood test (rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies). The earlier treatment begins, the more joint destruction can be prevented, so please see a doctor early if you are concerned.

The base of my big toe suddenly started hurting intensely. Is this gout?
This is a typical symptom of a gout attack. A blood test is needed to check uric acid levels, and treatment during the attack and long-term management with uric acid-lowering drugs for recurrence prevention are necessary. If left untreated with the thought of "it subsided, so it's fine," attacks may recur and joints can be destroyed.

My knee has water accumulated. Should it be drained?
Joint fluid (water) accumulates as a result of inflammation. If the pain and swelling are severe, draining it can relieve symptoms, but if the cause is not treated, it will accumulate again. The idea that "draining water makes it a habit" is not medically accurate. We will propose appropriate action depending on your condition.

I keep applying patches, but they don't seem to be working.
Patches are effective for inflammation and mild pain, but if joint deformation is advanced or treatment for an underlying disease is required, patches alone are insufficient. If the pain persists, we recommend investigating the cause.

Can I get an MRI at your clinic?
Our clinic does not have MRI equipment. If an MRI is deemed necessary for conditions such as meniscus injuries, rotator cuff tears, or ligament injuries, we will prepare a referral letter to an affiliated medical institution.

Clinic Hours & Access

Item	Details
Clinic Name	Halu Clinic
Consultation Hours	Monday - Sunday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Closed	None (Irregular holidays)
Address	J&MALL 1F, 2-27-1 Kami-Jujo, Kita-ku, Tokyo 114-0034
By train/walk	Approx. 1-2 minutes walk from JR Saikyo Line "Jujo Station", J&MALL 1st floor
By bus	Right in front of Kokusai Kogyo Bus "Jujo Station" bus stop
By car	Please use nearby coin parking lots
Contact Us	TEL: 03-6698-2509　／　Official LINE: https://lin.ee/DRxcelo

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