What causes sudden jaw joint pain upon waking up in the morning, and what should I do about it?

The term "hook joint" usually refers to the temporomandibular joint. Sudden pain in the temporomandibular joint upon waking in the morning may be caused by physiological factors, or by pathological conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorder or neuropathic pain. Treatment options include general management and medication. Specific details are as follows:

1. Physiological Factors

If a patient repeatedly chews hard foods over a long period or frequently chews on one side only, it can easily lead to damage of the articular cartilage, resulting in symptoms such as pain and swelling. Usually, no special treatment is required; attention should be paid to adjusting the diet, favoring light and easily digestible foods.

2. Pathological Factors

1) Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

This condition may be associated with various factors, such as autoimmune issues or trauma within or around the joint. When the temporomandibular joint is damaged, pain in the jawbone area may occur. Medications such as amitriptyline hydrochloride tablets or ibuprofen tablets may be taken under medical supervision.

2) Neuropathic Pain

This typically refers to focal or painful involvement of the peripheral or central nervous system. The main symptom is needle-like pain, which may also radiate. Medications such as Ershiwuwei Coral Pills or carbamazepine tablets may be taken under medical guidance.

In addition to the above causes, pain may also result from muscle strain, ligament sprain, or joint dislocation. Avoid scratching the affected area with hands and maintain local cleanliness. Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention when experiencing discomfort and receive standardized treatment under professional guidance to promote recovery.