Depending on the cause of your joint pain, you may need a range of treatment options to relieve pain and inflammation. Joint pain can affect many parts of your body including your arms, legs, feet, and spine. It can limit your movement and make activities more difficult. It may be a symptom of a serious condition, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. You should seek treatment as soon as possible.
Joint pain is usually caused by inflammation or injury. Some of the most common joint pain treatments include anti-inflammatory medications, over-the-counter medications, physical therapy, and surgery. These treatments can help reduce inflammation and pain and increase joint mobility. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. You can get additional information at Houston Heights regenerative medicine
Depending on the type of pain you have, your doctor will determine what treatment is best for you. Some treatments are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroid injections. Other treatments include surgery and arthroscopy. These procedures are usually reserved for cases of severe joint pain or injury. In most cases, the pain will subside after the treatment is completed. However, surgery is considered a last resort when other treatments aren’t working.
Your doctor will perform a physical exam to determine the cause of your joint pain. This will involve checking your joints for tenderness, redness, and warmth. They will also ask you questions about your medical history and symptoms. They may also order tests to determine the underlying cause of your pain. Often, joint pain will develop with other symptoms, such as fever, unexplained weight loss, and stiffness.
During the physical exam, your doctor may also ask you to move the joint in different ways. Your doctor may draw water from the joint, listen to the joint for noises, or look for any signs of inflammation. He or she may also check your skin for rashes or other related symptoms. If you have any unexplained fever, your doctor should diagnose it and treat it right away.
Depending on the cause of your joint pain, your doctor may prescribe you over-the-counter medications to help reduce inflammation and pain. These medicines include ibuprofen and aspirin. They can also reduce swelling and stiffness around the joint. Other treatments include massage, heat therapy, cold therapy, and rest. You may also be recommended to take supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, or omega 3 fish oil. Adding a healthy diet to your joint pain treatment can also help.
Joint pain may also be the result of degenerative diseases, such as osteoarthritis or lupus. In cases of osteoarthritis, a doctor may recommend joint replacement surgery. Other conditions that can cause joint pain include rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, and other musculoskeletal disorders. Joint pain is often accompanied by redness, swelling, and stiffness. You may also have numbness or a loss of sensation in the area around the joint.
Depending on the cause of your pain, your doctor may recommend physical therapy. During therapy, your doctor may perform exercises that will strengthen your body and improve the function of your joints. He or she may also recommend electrical nerve stimulation or a hot or cold therapy.