If you’re suffering from joint pain, you should consider all your treatment options. Some of them are available over the counter, while others require a prescription. For mild pain, over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin can provide relief. Other medications, such as COX-2 inhibitors such as celecoxib, can help manage the pain. If you are looking for more tips, check out Corpus Christi Sports Medicine-QC Kinetix (Corpus Christi)
In severe cases, joint pain may require surgery. Surgery is generally a last resort. This procedure is usually reserved for patients suffering from severe osteoarthritis. The surgery is called osteotomy, and involves cutting the bones around the joint to relieve the pressure. Occasionally, it can help delay the need for a total joint replacement. Other treatments include physical therapy. This method helps to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint and improve its range of motion.
Some people with arthritis find that it improves with time, while others experience chronic pain for years. It’s not always possible to predict how much damage has occurred to a joint because it’s different for each person. Some people with mild damage may experience no pain at all. Others may only notice minor pain and a stiffness when they walk.
If you’re experiencing joint pain, it’s important to visit a doctor as soon as possible. A physician can prescribe a medication that can help reduce the pain and inflammation. However, if you’re looking for a non-invasive treatment, you should consider alternative therapies. A number of drug-free alternatives are available, including Iovera and RFA.
Steroid injections are another option. These injections contain a manmade version of cortisol and can be injected directly into the affected joint. Usually, these injections are given with a local anaesthetic. These treatments can often relieve the pain for several weeks. However, they don’t provide permanent relief and can have unpleasant side effects.
Alternative therapies such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are also available. Supplements containing chondroitin may improve joint function, but you shouldn’t take them in place of medical treatment. Some supplements may interact with prescription medications. Therefore, you should discuss all treatments with your doctor before starting any new treatments.
Exercise is another effective treatment for joint pain. Low-impact exercise such as cycling, walking, and swimming reduce joint pain. Water aerobics is especially beneficial for people with RA because the buoyancy of water reduces the amount of stress on the joints. However, the type of exercise you choose should be safe for your condition.
If over-the-counter pain relievers aren’t effective, you should consider getting a prescription. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are available as creams, gels, and patches, and can reduce the symptoms. Ibuprofen and diclofenac gels are over-the-counter, while ketoprofen is available only by prescription. While NSAIDs are effective for knee pain, they may not be as effective in treating joint pain in the hips, which lie deeper below the skin.