If you suffer from chronic joint pain, you may want to consider seeking medical treatment. Your physician will perform a physical exam and ask you a series of questions to determine the cause of your symptoms. The doctor will likely order X-rays to check for possible injuries and abnormalities, and may also order blood tests to determine the level of inflammation in your body. Joint pain treatment may include prescription medications or a combination of these. To help with the diagnosis, your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or topical pain relievers. Your physician will likely prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and stretches to maintain range of motion. Austin sports medicine has some nice tips on this.
There are many types of exercise and physical therapy you can try to ease joint pain. Massage, acupuncture, yoga, and tai chi are all good ways to reduce stiffness and pain. Other exercises include joint injections to provide pain relief and increase mobility. If none of these options are working, you can consult your physician for a more advanced treatment option. However, a doctor can recommend a variety of treatment options based on your particular health history and lifestyle.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can provide relief for people who suffer from moderate to severe joint pain that is accompanied by swelling and redness. In addition to NSAIDs, there are also a number of research-backed supplements that can reduce pain and swelling in the joints. Hyaluronic acid, for example, can be injected into joints to lubricate them. If NSAIDs are not effective, stronger opioid drugs can be prescribed.
NSAIDs and acetaminophen are also commonly prescribed for joint pain, although they are not as effective in relieving the pain as a medical treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also reduce inflammation and swelling, but your doctor should always be consulted if you notice any side effects or if your condition gets worse. Surgery is another option for severe joint pain that cannot be treated with simple lifestyle changes and home care.
A joint injury can result in chronic pain that makes it difficult to do daily tasks. Joint pain may also be the result of an underlying disease. In some cases, the damage to joints may not be permanent, but will likely last a couple weeks. Regardless of the cause, it can be difficult to function without joint pain. Fortunately, there are many treatments for joint pain that can be prescribed by a doctor. These treatments can also include physical therapy, exercise, or a combination of both.
Aside from medications, patients can also try acupuncture, massage, or other forms of alternative therapy. Oftentimes, a combination of these treatments can work well for some people. Sometimes, joint pain can be caused by a sports injury, which may require physical therapy to address. For others, arthritis is the cause. Regardless of what is causing the pain, the right treatment can improve quality of life. Once the cause is determined, you can then choose the most effective combination of therapies to alleviate the symptoms.
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