If you have chronic joint pain, you may want to consider finding the best joint pain treatment available. The right treatment for your specific case can help you manage your pain and improve your quality of life. While over-the-counter medications can help you manage your pain, you may need a more extensive approach. You should see a doctor if your joint pain persists, and keep a journal of your treatments so your doctor can develop a more effective treatment plan. Interested readers can find more information about them at QC Kinetix (Corpus Christi)-Corpus Christi Sports Medicine
Joint pain can be caused by a variety of causes, from overuse of an area to a serious underlying condition. Some people experience joint pain due to inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Systemic treatments can help stop the inflammation that damages the joints. Self-care steps can also help you deal with the symptoms. For example, avoiding twisting your neck can help prevent the pain from worsening. Pain in the neck can be just as frustrating as pain in the joints.
Treatment options for arthritis include physical therapy and prescription medications. Depending on the severity of your pain, you may need to take a corticosteroid medication to alleviate the pain. Corticosteroids are prescription medications that suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. They are typically taken in the form of a pill or injection. However, corticosteroids can cause side effects such as weight gain or diabetes. Other treatments include disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, or DMARDs, which are drugs that can slow down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and save joints. DMARDs are also available in the form of biologic agents and targeted synthetic drugs. Injections of these drugs can relieve joint swelling and reduce pain, but may also increase the risk of infection.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve moderate to severe joint pain. These medications help reduce swelling and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Over-the-counter acetaminophen is another option. Although acetaminophen may reduce your pain, it may have negative side effects and damage your liver.
Non-prescription medications can also help alleviate joint pain. Injections of ketorolac, for example, reduce the levels of certain hormones that cause inflammation and pain. These medications have anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties and can be used over the counter or with a prescription. However, a doctor’s advice should always be sought before starting any new treatment for joint pain.
Physical therapy is another way to manage joint pain. Exercises can help increase range of motion and decrease the risk of future injury. The exercises will also strengthen the muscles around painful joints. Sometimes physical therapists will incorporate other techniques like ultrasound, nerve stimulation, or heat or cold therapy. In some cases, patients can even do joint exercises at home to treat their pain.
Medications for arthritis are available over-the-counter (OTC) and through prescription. These medications are primarily oral, though some can also be injected. However, they can have negative side effects and are not ideal for use long-term.