Joint pain is a common complaint that can be mild to debilitating. The pain may come and go for a few weeks or it may linger for months. Regardless of how severe the pain is, treatment is important for relieving the discomfort and reducing the risk of severe complications. In addition to joint pain treatment, there are some common self-care steps that you can take to relieve your discomfort and increase your mobility. Have a look at QC Kinetix (Bentonville) for more info on this.
The first step in joint pain treatment is to diagnose the cause. If your pain is due to severe inflammation, injury, or deformity, a doctor may recommend that you undergo medical testing. In addition, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint to relieve the pressure. If your joint pain persists, surgery may be an option.
For moderate to severe pain, doctors may prescribe pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, or antiepileptic drugs. Some doctors may also prescribe a PRICE protocol – Protect, Rest, Ice Application, Compression, and Elevation – to reduce inflammation and pain. In more severe cases, doctors may also prescribe stronger opioid medications.
During a physical exam, your doctor will focus on your joints and other parts of your body. They will evaluate the joint’s movement, examine the surrounding tissues, and listen to any sounds that may be causing the pain. Your physician may also order x-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds to get a more complete picture of the condition.
Joint pain is an uncomfortable and sometimes life-altering condition. It can be triggered by various causes, including traumatic injuries, infections, autoimmune diseases, and chronic degenerative conditions. Some of these conditions can be fatal if not treated promptly. The pain can be chronic and limit a person’s daily activities.
Besides medication, the patient may also choose a non-drug treatment approach. Non-prescription anti-inflammatory drugs or topical pain relievers are often the preferred treatment for most cases. Combined with a healthy diet, exercise, and regular massage, this approach can help reduce joint pain. Lastly, it may be necessary to undergo surgery to replace a damaged joint.
During the treatment of cancer, white blood cell growth factors are used to prevent infection. Filgrastim, pegfilgrastim, and sargramostim are examples of these drugs. Biophosphonates, meanwhile, are prescribed to treat bone loss. These drugs can also cause joint pain.
Infusions of platelet-rich plasma therapy are a promising treatment option for joint pain. These treatments inject platelets from the patient’s blood into the affected joint, re-invigorate the tissue, and accelerate healing. Surgery is usually used as a last resort, but has associated risks and only a 60-70% success rate.
GPs must carefully manage joint pain consultations. Patients’ perceptions about their condition can affect the way they perceive treatment and how they relate to their pain. Some patients perceive their disease as uncontrollable or unmanageable, while others may consider it normal and prefer other approaches. The perception of chronic pain also affects the relationship between patients and health care providers.