Joint pain is a common ailment that can limit a person’s mobility and quality of life. It can affect the hands, feet, hips, knees, and spine. Treatments for joint pain should target the underlying cause, not just mask the symptoms. The right combination of treatments can reduce pain and improve quality of life.
The pain from joint pain can be acute or chronic. Acute pain may be caused by a strain or sprain of a joint or a strained muscle. Chronic joint pain can be a sign of life-threatening conditions such as arthritis and rheumatic fever. Those with chronic joint pain should see their health care providers immediately to get a proper diagnosis. Joint pain is often accompanied by other symptoms, including fever, numbness, swelling, or stiffness. Learn more about them at joint pain treatment near me
Physical exams will help doctors determine the underlying cause of joint pain. In addition to performing a physical exam, doctors will use X-rays and blood tests to check for autoimmune conditions. A complete blood count and sedimentation rate test can show whether you have inflammation in your joints. Treatments for joint pain can include a combination of medication and physical therapy.
Cold and heat therapy can also help relieve joint pain. The cold therapy reduces inflammation and swelling and helps relax your muscles. While it is not a cure for arthritis, it can help alleviate your symptoms and reduce your daily activities. A hot bath or a heat pad can also help you get relief from joint pain.
In addition to physical therapy, a doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to help ease the pain. These may be injected into your joint to lubricate it. Antidepressants may also be used to reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life. If non-narcotic treatments are ineffective, the doctor may prescribe corticosteroid injections to reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain.
If a combination of physical therapy and medication is not enough, a joint replacement may be necessary. Joint replacement surgery is a costly procedure that involves the removal of the damaged joint and replacing it with an implant. The implant is made of plastic, ceramic, or metal. This procedure mimics the natural functioning of the joint. Afterward, patients often undergo physical therapy to help them recover and function.
Joint pain is often a sign of aging. It can be a result of a number of conditions or a single disease, such as osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, and is caused by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints. It may also result from trauma to the joints.
Overuse of joints can also cause bursitis, a painful inflammation of the bursae surrounding a joint. This condition usually goes away on its own, but it may also be caused by direct trauma or an infection. Treatment for bursitis depends on the underlying cause, but may include physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications. In severe cases, a surgical procedure may be needed.
