Fortunately, there are many effective joint pain treatments available. Pain medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, which are common over-the-counter treatments, can help reduce swelling and inflammation around the joint. Topical treatments, such as hyaluronic acid, can also help reduce the symptoms of arthritis. Do you want to learn more? Visit Back Specialist near me. Other treatments include dietary supplements.
Joint pain can be caused by a variety of causes, including traumatic injury, infection, rheumatic fever, autoimmune disease, and chronic degenerative conditions. Sometimes, joint pain can be deadly, so it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor can help determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition and help you regain your quality of life.
An orthopaedic physician will evaluate your medical history and conduct physical exams to rule out other causes of your pain. He or she may prescribe additional laboratory tests or imaging to help determine if you have an underlying disease. X-rays and MRIs can provide a thorough picture of the affected joint and other areas.
Corticosteroids are another joint pain treatment option, which reduce inflammation. They are usually given by shot into the joint and work quickly to ease pain. However, they do have side effects, such as allergic reactions, infections, and discoloration of the skin. Moreover, frequent injections of corticosteroids in the same joint can damage the structures of the joint.
Some types of cancer can cause joint pain, especially those that have spread to the bones. The pain may be sudden and intermittent, or it can last all day, making it difficult to perform simple tasks. For patients with cancer, treating joint pain is an important part of palliative and supportive care. By providing relief from pain, a cancer patient’s quality of life can be restored.
Surgery is also another option for joint pain treatment. Surgery is a last resort, but has associated risks. Only about 60 percent of patients will have a successful outcome from this procedure. It is important to discuss all options with a qualified orthopedic physician before undergoing surgery. In severe cases, the doctor may recommend total joint replacement surgery.
Patients often have limited options for treating joint pain. They are often wary of pain medications, interpreting them as unimportant and implying that little can be done to help them. In addition, their perceptions of their illness often influence their relationships with health care providers. Patients often perceive joint pain as a normal part of aging or disruption, which is not always the case.
