Treatment for joint pain can include medication, hot or cold therapy, and rest. It can also involve exercises that strengthen the affected joint and restore its function. Sometimes, surgery is required to replace the joint. If the pain is severe, physical therapy may be recommended. The RICE method includes exercise that strengthens the supporting muscles and exercises that reduce stress on the joint. Branson sports injury clinic
Your doctor will conduct a physical exam focused on the joint or limb and may also order x-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds. This will give a better picture of the affected area. It is also important to see a second doctor to get a second opinion. In some cases, lifestyle changes can also be enough to reduce pain.
Joint pain is a common problem among adults. It can occur in one joint or many joints at once. It may be caused by an injury or arthritis. Symptoms of joint pain include soreness, inflammation, and difficulty with movement. Sometimes, the pain is so severe that it limits one’s ability to perform daily activities.
If the pain is mild or comes and goes, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be effective. In some cases, stronger NSAIDs may be prescribed. However, these medicines can irritate the stomach and increase the risk of heart attacks. Further, these drugs interfere with the pain signals in the body.
Injections of platelet-rich plasma are another treatment option for joint pain. Platelet-rich plasma is a concentrated blood product containing natural chemicals that may reduce inflammation and speed healing. Another treatment for arthritis pain is stem cell treatment. These cells are derived from the patient’s fat and injected into the painful joint. Although this method has some promising results, the procedure is still experimental and the effectiveness is unclear.
There are many types of arthritis. Gout is an inflammatory disease caused by the buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream and inflames the joints. Psoriatic arthritis is a bacterial infection caused by bacteria in the synovial fluid and causes inflammation. Septic arthritis is another disease caused by a bacterial infection in the joint. It causes pain and causes the knee to swell.
Osteoarthritis, or degenerative arthritis, is another common type of joint pain. In this condition, the cartilage in the joints breaks down. The joint cartilage is a protective layer that cushions the bone during movement. Without this layer, bones rub against one another, causing pain and stiffness. Treatment for this type of arthritis aims to improve joint function.
Physical therapy helps restore joint mobility by strengthening the muscles around the affected joint. Exercise also reduces the pressure and inflammation on the affected joint. A physical therapist may recommend braces for patients with knee pain because they can help maintain proper function and stability. Various home remedies can also be used for joint pain. Alternating hot and cold treatments can help reduce joint stiffness. Another effective treatment is sleeping with a heated blanket.