No one wants to deal with joint pain especially when they are a working person. In such a tough time, all a person do is relying on medicine. But, that, in any case, will act as a temporary relief only. Sometimes, a person has to even go for surgery due to the severity of a condition. There are many pain relievers available in the market, you can also try them.
The doctor will test the severity through various laboratory tests such as CT scans, X-rays, MRIs, and Ultrasound. Even a single and minor damage to your bone can complicate everything. The most common among them is joint pain in the knee. Here, we are trying to cover joint pain treatment, joint pain causes, and how to cure joint pain easily so let’s read on.
Painkillers
The first thing that strikes a patient’s mind during joint pain is a painkiller. These can reduce pain but fail to reduce inflammation. You can try acetaminophen like Tylenol and so on. For patients with severe pain, doctors suggest opioids such as tramadol. They directly affect the central nervous system. Oxycodone and hydrocodone are recommended too. However, don’t depend mentally on these medicines.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs relieve pain and inflammation as well. Try ibuprofen, naproxen, but know that they lead to irritation in the stomach. It will increase the possibility of heart attack and stroke. Fortunately, move gel and cream is available too for reducing pain and inflammation. It can be used on your joints directly.
Counterirritants
Some creams and ointments constitute menthol or capsaicin. This ingredient is found in hot peppers. When you rub a counterirritant on the pain source, it will impact the transmission of pain signals.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
These drugs are mainly used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It works by restricting your immune system to attack the joints. Some of them include methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine.
Biologic response modifiers
Mostly used along with DMARDs, these refer to genetically engineered drugs. It attacks the protein molecules that play a significant role in the immune response. You can use Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, etanercept, or infliximab.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are known for reducing inflammation. Such drugs include prednisone, cortisone, etc. The patient can consume it orally or by injected directly to the source of joint pain.
Therapy
Physical therapy helps a lot in treating joint pain in the knee. Ask your physical therapists what’s good for you. He may recommend you some exercises to do from your home.
Surgery
In severe and extreme cases, surgery is the most effective treatment option. They may do joint repairing, joint replacement, or joint fusion surgery.
Massage
Sometimes, massage is the only thing you need for getting rid of joint pain in the knee or any part of your body. Kneading of muscles and stroking lightly can increase blood flow to the muscles and thus, gives you relief from joint pain.
Lifestyle and home remedies
- Kindly maintain a healthy weight as it will reduce stress from the load-bearing joints. It will boost mobility and prevent future injuries.
- Exercising regularly will maintain flexibility in the joints. Swimming and water aerobics and even a short walk might help.
- Heat and cold pads provide instant relief from the painful joints.
- Do you need an assistive device? Better to consult a doctor and ask what’s suitable for you.
Bottom Line
Take care of your joints today if you want to live a comfortable life in the future. A little delay in joint pain treatment can make things get worse for you.