A variety of conditions can cause joint pain, from a simple sprain or strain to life-threatening diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Although joint pain may be manageable with self-care, some people need a medical practitioner to effectively treat it. For these cases, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. If the pain persists, keep a journal of the treatments you’ve tried to help your doctor develop an effective treatment plan. If you would like to learn more about this, please check out San Antonio joint pain treatment
Occupational therapists are available to offer advice on treatment options and help with pain reduction. These professionals also may be able to advise on financial assistance, depending on where you live. People with arthritis should remember that they can still work, but they may need to change their working environments to accommodate their conditions. If you need help, you can also call the helpline on 0800 5200 520 for support.
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are a good choice for mild to moderate joint pain. These painkillers contain both codeine and paracetamol, which can help reduce inflammation in the area around the joint. A steroid injection into the joint can also help reduce pain, but it can have side effects.
An orthopaedic physician can perform a physical examination to determine the exact cause of your pain and determine how to best treat it. They can also conduct a joint X-ray to identify the joint damage caused by arthritis. They may also run a series of blood tests to screen for autoimmune conditions and inflammatory conditions. They may also perform a sedimentation rate test or a complete blood count to determine the amount of inflammation in the body.
A joint pain treatment plan can include lifestyle changes, injections, or physical therapy. Depending on the cause of the pain, some of these treatments can be as simple as making small changes in your lifestyle. If the symptoms don’t resolve with lifestyle changes, the doctor may recommend a more invasive procedure, such as keyhole surgery, if necessary.
A physical therapist can help with joint pain through customized stretching and strengthening exercises to restore mobility and range of motion. Some patients may also be prescribed a brace to help with stability and function. Home remedies are also helpful in managing some types of joint pain. Alternating hot and cold treatments can help reduce joint stiffness. An ice pack can also be applied to the joint to help reduce swelling.
Massage therapy is another method of joint pain treatment. It improves the range of motion of the joint and reduces the risk of further injury. This therapy can also strengthen the muscles around the painful joint. Physical therapists can also incorporate ultrasound, heat or cold therapy, or nerve stimulation to help with the pain. It is important to see a health care provider as a patient, so that you can make informed decisions about the best course of action.
Over-the-counter pain medications can be used for minor joint pain. These medications can help reduce swelling and inflammation, which will reduce pain signals. Some people also use topical applications of capsaicin, which release endorphins and block pain signals. Steroid injections can also be prescribed to temporarily relieve pain. If these methods do not work, your doctor may recommend physical therapy or surgery.
