Joint Pain Treatment
Joint pain can be caused by a variety of different problems, the type of treatment and relief options that you choose will depend on the cause of your joint pain. Joint pain that is the result of an underlying condition may be successfully treated to bring long term relief from pain.
Drug Treatments
Currently, there are no cures for joint conditions such as rheumatoid, or osteoarthritis. Medical treatments for these disorders are limited to reducing joint pain and improving mobility. These treatments can help to improve the quality of life while guarding against impairment or damage. These treatments can be performed with little or no toxic side effects from the therapy. Drug treatments are prescribed to provide relief from joint pain, these drugs can not cure joint problems.
Joint Pain Drugs
Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Commonly known as NSAIDS, these widely used non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs provide fast relief from pain associated with joint problems. Considered safe for use by the Food and Drug Administration, some typical examples of NSAIDS include regular aspirin, and ibuprofen, used in products like Motrin and Advil. Other drug treatments include indomethacin, which is used to produce Indocin, naproxen, used to manufacture Naprosyn, and Feldene contains piroxicam.
COX 2 Inhibitors
COX 2 inhibitors are fairly new drug treatments that are used for joint problems and work by successfully blocking the COX-2 enzyme. This blockage works to stop the creation of chemical imbalances that cause arthritis pain and swelling.
Joint pain symptoms can be controlled with other drugs such as penicillamine, hydroxychloroquine, azathioprine, gold, sulfasalazine, and methotrexate. These drugs are used to control the symptoms of joint pain, and to delay the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. COX-2 inhibitors are slow-acting secondary drugs that are commonly taken with non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Steroids
Steroids may be required for some patients who suffer from rheumatoid or osteoarthritis. Low doses of these steroids can be taken by mouth, or they may be injected directly into the distressed joint. Steroids are generally prescribed to quickly relieve pain, and to reduce the inflammation and swelling that surrounds afflicted joints.
Dietary Supplements
The use of dietary supplements to treat the symptoms of joint pain has steadily grown over the past few years. Along with glucosamine, chondroitin helps to rejuvenate worn down or damaged connective tissue. Some other dietary supplements for combating joint pain associated with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis include niacin (vitamin B3), and S-Adenosyl methionine (SAMe). The roots from medicinal plants such as ginger and turmeric are other widely used supplements.
Glucosamine
Oral glucosamine is mostly used to treat patients with osteoarthritis. Patients with osteoarthritis of the knee suffer from painful movements, swelling, and limited motion. Glucosamine is a dietary supplement that repairs the injured cartilage by improving the glucosamine that is supplied by the body. Glucosamine is used to
help reduce pain, and to slow the progression of knee osteoarthritis.
Chondroitin Sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate is a dietary supplement that is taken with glucosamine. When taken together these alternative medications have been known to reduce symptoms in patients who suffer from mild to severe joint pain. Chondroitin sulfate combined with glucosamine can help restore cartilage, and unlike non sterodial anti-inflammatory drugs, chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine will not cause harmful side effects. All drug treatments should be tailored to your specific needs and monitored by your doctor or health care provider.
Physical Therapy
In addition to dietary supplements, physical therapy is usually prescribed for people with arthritis. The type of physical therapy treatment that is prescribed will depend on the patient’s condition and the amount of pain being suffered.
Patients may be directed to take a walk each day, do stretch exercises, or supervised strength training for muscles. Other measures that improve flexibility and promote joint mobility are massage therapy, traction, which involves gentle fixed pulling motions, and joint manipulation.
Surgery
In the most extreme cases, a surgical operation may be necessary. A procedure known as arthroscopic surgery is used to discover what causes the joint pain, and to conduct bone replacement surgery or to bring relief to extremely impaired joints with bone fusion techniques.
Lifestyle Changes
It is vital for patients who suffer with joint pain to have an equal balance of rest and exercise. To prevent stiff joints and weak muscles excessive resting should be avoided, rest should be limited to times when pain erupts. Joint pain can usually be managed with treatments for relief, moderate exercise, and weight control.
Doctor approved physical exercises will help improve flexibility and muscle strength. Excessive weight is a contributing factor for joint pain, diet and weight loss are essential to successfully manage joint pain. An exercise plan and a well balanced diet with healthy foods will help eliminate extra weight. To prevent problems associated with bone health, patients who undergo joint pain management procedures should stop smoking.
Other Treatments For Joint Pain
Heat can be applied with heating pads, hot packs, or warm towels on painful joints at least three times a day to increase blood flow. Cold therapy from cooling sprays and cold packs will numb inflamed nerves. Hydrotherapy involves water exercises, supportive devices include orthopedic mattresses, walking sticks, splints, and braces. Coping strategies include techniques for relaxing and relieving tension.