Our body is composed of joints. A joint is formed when two or more bones are joined or linked together. Joints allow us to move, run, bend, and turn. Without joints, we’d be as stiff as a stick.

We have different types of joints and each type has a specific function. One of the joints we have is fibrous joints. Fibrous joints are the joints holding the bones of your skull and your pelvis. We don’t normally experience pain with these joints because they connect the bones without allowing any kind of movement. We also have cartilaginous joints which connects our spine and ribs. These joints’ function is only for minor movements and we rarely feel pain on these parts except for severe injuries or if you suffered from SI joint pain.

Another type of joints is called Synovial Joints. This is the area where pain is often felt. There are different kinds of synovial joints and all of these joints are lubricated and protected by synovial fluid. This is produced by our body to allow ease of movement.

Different Kinds of Synovial Joints

Hinge
A hinge joint helps in extending and retracting our appendages. Just like a door hinge, a hinge joint allows us to move a part of our body, such as our elbows, to up to 180 degrees.

Saddle
A saddle joint allows us to move back and forth; however, it does not allow us to move in a circular motion. One example of a body part that has saddle joints are our thumbs. We can move it up and down or back and forth but never circular.

Ball and Socket
This is the kind of synovial joint that allows us to move in circular motions. Our hips and shoulders are examples of this.

Ellipsoid
Ellipsoid joints are almost quite the same as the ball and socket joints only that its movement is restricted. Our wrists are perfect examples of this.

When one suffers from joint pains, a warm bath is the best remedy to get rid of the pain. A massage on the affected part can also help in relieving joint pains but if the pain still persists, it is best to consult a doctor so he can properly diagnose the cause of the pains.