Question

If working with a chronic pain patient, what would the below signs be indicative of? Joint swelling Pain that lasts longer than 4 hours or that requires medication for relief Decrease in strength Fatiguing more easily

a) Normal responses to exercise
b) Signs of overtraining
c) Signs of worsening condition
d) Signs of appropriate rehabilitation

Answer 1

The signs of joint swelling, long-lasting pain, decreased strength, and increased fatigue in a chronic pain patient are likely indicative of a worsening condition, aligning with the classic signs of inflammation and the necessity of careful management to ensure proper recovery.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a chronic pain patient experiences joint swelling, pain that lasts longer than 4 hours or requires medication for relief, a decrease in strength, and fatigues more easily, these signs could be indicative of a worsening condition. When treating conditions like tendinitis or inflammation, patients are often advised to adhere to the PRICE guidelines and respect pain, meaning if an activity causes pain, it should be stopped until the pain subsides. These symptoms can result from maladaptive changes in the body in response to inflammation, as suggested by the four cardinal signs of inflammation: redness, swelling, pain, and local heat, often accompanied by loss of function. A gradual return to exercise after an injury is recommended to prevent further damage and ensure appropriate rehabilitation.