Symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Arthritis
Aug 01, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
1. Pain: The primary symptom of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis is a dull, aching pain in the joint, accompanied by restricted mandibular movement and joint clicking. Pain is predominantly localized to the TMJ region or its surrounding area and is often associated with tenderness upon palpation. Patients commonly experience a distinct sensation of soreness, swelling, or pain in the joint—particularly during mouth opening or chewing, when the pain intensifies.
2. Joint clicking: A clicking or popping sound may occur in the joint area during mouth opening.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis is associated with excessive daily strain on the joint—for instance, frequently chewing hard foods such as walnuts. Overexertion can lead to joint wear and tear, ultimately resulting in TMJ arthritis. So, what are the symptoms of TMJ arthritis?
Symptoms of TMJ Arthritis
1. Pain: The primary symptom of TMJ arthritis includes joint soreness or pain, restricted mandibular movement, and joint clicking or popping. Pain is typically localized to the joint area or its surrounding region, often accompanied by tenderness upon palpation. Patients commonly experience a distinct sensation of soreness, swelling, or pain in the joint—especially during mouth opening or chewing.
2. Joint clicking or popping: A clicking, popping, or cracking sound may occur in the joint area when opening the mouth. This sound may manifest at various stages of mandibular movement and may present either as fragmented, intermittent noises or as a sharp, singular click. TMJ arthritis may also cause limited mouth opening and deviation of the jaw to one side during opening. Additionally, patients may experience temporal pain radiating to the neck, face, or back; tinnitus and dizziness may also occur. If any of these symptoms appear, it is advisable to consult a local hospital for definitive diagnosis.
TMJ arthritis can cause pain in the joint and surrounding tissues. Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be used for treatment to exert anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Specific medication regimens should be determined under the guidance of a physician to ensure safety and minimize complications. During treatment, local heat application using a warm towel—approximately 30 minutes per session, twice daily—can effectively alleviate symptoms. Alternatively, physical therapies such as infrared radiation or low-level laser therapy may be employed to reduce inflammation.
Avoid consuming hard foods to prevent exacerbation of symptoms. In daily life, strive to relax and maintain emotional stability. We hope this information proves helpful to you.
