Joint Pain Treatments
A combination of treatment options may be necessary to treat chronic joint pain. In some cases, a doctor may recommend physical therapy and occupational therapy to improve flexibility and strength. Supportive devices may be necessary to make movements easier. Joint surgery may also be required. This may involve smoothing out joint surfaces or realigning bones. In extreme cases, hips may be replaced with artificial joints. However, not all these treatments are effective. Here is a look at some of the more common procedures.
Regardless of severity, the goal of joint pain treatment is the same: to reduce the symptoms and to diagnose any potentially dangerous conditions. Treatment is usually targeted to the joint problem rather than the disease, and if it is an acute problem, nonpharmacologic treatment is an excellent option. Joint pain can be divided into three general categories:
A thorough medical history may be required to determine the exact cause of joint pain. This helps your doctor narrow the list of possible causes. Imaging tests may be performed as well, including X-rays and MRIs. Treatment for joint pain may include lifestyle modifications and home care, as well as prescription medications and injections. However, if you have a history of joint problems or are not receiving proper treatment, a specialist may prescribe a course of medication.
Inflammatory diseases are often the cause of joint pain, and systemic treatment can help combat the underlying disease by stopping the inflammation that can damage the joints. Regardless of the cause, there are several nonsurgical options available, including acupuncture, physiotherapy and even lifestyle modifications. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. Nonsurgical treatments can include medication to treat the underlying condition, physical therapy to increase joint range of motion, and changes in diet and lifestyle.
In some cases, simple at-home remedies may be beneficial, such as icing the area or applying a supportive aid. Some doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. In some cases, these medications may not be enough. For some people, a joint pain doctor in colorado may suggest physical therapy, such as stretching exercises. Even if they do not provide permanent relief, NSAIDs can provide temporary relief.
Other common methods for treating joint pain include a healthy diet and regular exercise. Losing weight can help alleviate joint pain by reducing pressure on the joints. Using heat may relieve muscle spasms around the joints. Finally, corticosteroid injections and targeted nerve blocks may be helpful for reducing inflammation and relieving pain. If other methods do not relieve the pain, surgery may be necessary. However, these are not the first line of treatment for chronic joint pain.
Overuse of joints can also cause joint pain. Overuse of the knee, hip, elbow, or shoulder can cause bursitis. Viral infections may also cause joint pain. These infections often include rash and fever. Inflammation of tendons, ligaments, and skin can also cause joint pain. Depending on the cause, over-the-counter or prescription medications can help ease discomfort and inflammation. If the pain is caused by an infection, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem. Check out this link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pain_management for additional details regarding this topic.