If you have joint pain, the first step is to consult with your healthcare provider. Your doctor will perform a physical examination of the joint in question, and will examine surrounding tissue to determine if there is any damage. He may also order X-rays to determine the severity of the injury and rule out other diseases. Do you want to learn more? Visit Fall River joint pain treatment.
Pain medication is another important part of joint pain treatment. You can take NSAIDs and acetaminophen to reduce swelling and pain. Rest and heat may also be helpful in reducing muscle spasms around the joint. In the meantime, you should avoid using your affected joint and should avoid any activities that cause it pain. Once the inflammation subsides, strengthening exercises can be done to help the joint recover.
Besides taking anti-inflammatory medications, your doctor may also prescribe other treatments, including physical therapy, injections, and supplements. Physical therapy may include hot and cold therapy and electrical nerve stimulation. Depending on the underlying cause of your joint pain, you may need to undergo X-rays, ultrasound, or CT scans.
While ice and heat are common home remedies, cold or moist heat can relieve joint pain. Massages can increase blood flow and increase muscle warmth. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS, may also be used to reduce pain. A TENS device transmits mild electrical pulses to the nerve endings in the painful area, which blocks pain signals to the brain.
Other methods of joint pain treatment include exercise and healthy eating. If the pain is moderate to severe and accompanied by swelling, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used. However, these medications must be used with a qualified pain physician. If your pain persists, your physician may prescribe stronger opioid medications. This can help reduce inflammation and pain while preserving joint function.
Other types of joint pain can occur as a result of a serious injury. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a degenerative disease that damages the bones and soft tissues around the joint. It affects 1.5 million people in the United States, most of them women. Osteoarthritis debilitates the joints over time, leading to pain, swelling, and limited movement.
In severe cases, total joint replacement is an option. In this procedure, the damaged joint is removed and replaced with an implant made of plastic, ceramic, or metal. This replacement is designed to mimic the natural joint. A physical therapy program is often necessary after this procedure, but it can help restore function. This procedure is not suitable for everyone, however.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, can help with joint pain. However, they do not contain steroids and can have harmful side effects. They should only be used when a physician has prescribed a stronger medication. Some people also find relief from applying a topical cream or lotion to the affected joint area. These may be available over the counter or with a doctor’s prescription. Similarly, dietary supplements can help relieve joint pain.