If you are experiencing joint pain, you need to see a doctor. Your primary care physician can help you diagnose the underlying condition. He or she will perform a physical exam and ask you questions about the pain and the symptoms. Your doctor may also order blood tests or X-rays. If your symptoms are related to an autoimmune disease, your doctor may also order a sedimentation rate test, which measures the amount of inflammation in your body. Your doctor may also prescribe topical pain relievers to reduce your pain. In severe cases, your physician may perform keyhole surgery to repair the damaged tissue in your joints. see this page Tucson Sports Medicine Organization
Other treatment options for joint pain include non-prescription anti-inflammatory drugs, stretching, and massage. Heat is another option, but remember to avoid overheating the joint. A heating pad should be applied on a soft area, and a towel should be placed between the heating pad and the skin. Regular checks are also recommended to ensure that the heat does not cause any burning or irritation. Ice packs can also be used as a joint pain treatment. These can be purchased from pharmacies, or they can be made by wrapping an ice cube in a wet tea towel.
A steroid injection may be used to reduce inflammation in the joint. Cortisone injections are usually given with a local anesthetic. However, these treatments do have side effects and should only be given under a doctor’s supervision. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe other types of treatment to help you find the most effective one for your situation.
In addition to over-the-counter medications, you may also want to consider acupuncture and relaxation therapies. Acupuncture involves inserting hair-thin needles into specific areas of the body. These treatments may take a few weeks to work, but they may help relieve pain. You may also want to consider a heating pad or hot water bottle, which can provide temporary relief. Nevertheless, you should be careful when using heat pads.
If you are experiencing sudden joint pain and losing mobility, see your healthcare practitioner or emergency room. An early diagnosis will minimize the discomfort and help you manage the condition. Joint pain can also be the result of an underlying disease, such as arthritis. Fortunately, most conditions associated with joint pain are manageable and can be treated effectively. If the condition is a mild case, self-care and medication may be enough to improve your comfort level.
Some people develop rheumatoid arthritis, which causes severe pain and deformity in the joints. This condition affects approximately 1.5 million people in the United States, most of whom are women. Symptoms include inflammation of the joints and chest pain. In addition to joint pain, there are many other conditions that can affect the body.
If your pain is severe, your doctor may recommend joint replacement surgery. This procedure removes the damaged joint and replaces it with an implant, usually made of plastic, metal, or ceramic. The goal of total joint replacement surgery is to restore the joint to its normal function. Physical therapy is an integral part of this treatment and can help improve your range of motion. Physical therapy also strengthens the muscles surrounding your joint, reducing overall stiffness and pain.