Often, the best treatment for joint pain is to see an orthopaedic physician. The doctor will perform a full physical exam and ask you several questions to determine the cause of your joint pain. He or she will also recommend certain treatments. Your doctor may also recommend x-rays and laboratory tests to determine the level of inflammation in your body and whether you have any autoimmune disorders. X-rays can show bone spurs and loss of cartilage, and may also reveal damage to your ligaments and tendons. go right here QC Kinetix (Kennett Square) sports medicine
Treatment for joint pain can include taking anti-inflammatory medications to treat the pain, adjusting your activity level, or minimally invasive surgeries. Although there are many methods to treat joint pain, it is important to find the one that works best for you. For mild pain, self-care can help, but if the pain is persistent and not going away, it may be time to see a doctor. It is also important to document any treatments you try so that your doctor can create a treatment plan that will work best for you.
If your joint pain is moderate to severe, your doctor may prescribe a medication such as co-codamol, which contains paracetamol and codeine. However, this medicine is usually only effective for a short period of time and is associated with a higher risk of side effects. For more severe joint pain, your doctor may prescribe a long-acting steroid injection into the affected joint. This procedure can relieve pain for weeks or months. In some cases, it can even be used to treat a serious joint crystal condition, such as osteoarthritis.
If your joint pain is not curable with conservative methods, a surgeon may suggest total joint replacement. This surgical procedure involves the removal of the damaged joint and a replacement made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. Depending on your needs, physical therapy may be necessary to help your joint function properly. These surgeries are not suitable for every patient, but they can improve your overall quality of life.
While you’re at home, physical therapy is an important part of joint pain treatment. Physical therapy involves strengthening exercises and stretching exercises for specific joint conditions. These exercises will improve range of motion and mobility. Your physical therapist will also recommend a brace if necessary to help you function. Some treatments can be done at home, such as alternately applying heat or cold compresses to the affected joints to reduce stiffness. Another option is to use ice packs to reduce the swelling and discomfort in your joints.
Over-the-counter pain relievers and topical applications containing capsaicin may also help relieve joint pain. Capsaicin can release endorphins, block pain signals, and decrease inflammation. Steroid injections may also be used to provide temporary relief. If over-the-counter treatments don’t relieve the pain, your doctor may recommend physical therapy or surgery.
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