Want to get rid of joint pain?
Joint pain is quite common, particularly as people become older. In one nationwide study, almost one-third of individuals said they had had joint discomfort in the previous 30 days. The most prevalent complaint was knee pain, followed by shoulder and hip discomfort. On the other hand, joint pain may strike anywhere on your body, from your ankles and feet to your shoulders and wrists.
A wide range of conditions can lead to painful joints:
• Osteoarthritis, a "wear and tear" disease, is the most common type of arthritis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that happens when your body attacks its tissues.
• Bursitis is when sacs of fluid that help cushion your joints get inflamed.
• Gout is a form of arthritis that most often affects your big toe joint.
• Strains, sprains, and other injuries.
Joint pain can range from mildly irritating to debilitating. It may go away after a few weeks (acute) or last for several weeks or months (chronic). However, even short-term pain and swelling in the joints can affect your quality of life. Whatever the cause of joint pain, you can usually manage it with medication, physical therapy, or alternative treatments.
Your doctor will first try to diagnose and treat the condition causing your joint pain. The goal is to reduce pain and inflammation and preserve joint function.
Treatment options include:
• For moderate-to-severe joint pain with swelling, the doctor prescribed an over-the-counter or prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or topical medications.
• The doctor may try injections for people who do not find joint pain relief from oral or topical medications.
Steroid injections are most commonly used in patients with arthritis or tendinitis. The procedures are effective, but the effect may be temporary in many situations.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) is made from your blood, injected into your painful joint. Your joint contains many platelets and proteins that have anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects.
Prolotherapy involves a series of injections of an irritant (often a sugar solution) into joints, ligaments, and tendons. The theory is that the injections stimulate local healing of injured tissues.
• It is possible to strengthen the muscles around the joint, stabilise it, and enhance your range of motion with a physical therapist. The therapist may utilise ultrasound, heat, cold, electrical nerve stimulation, or manipulation.
Losing weight might help ease sore joints if you are overweight. Weight loss is achieved by exercise and nutrition, but avoid high-impact workouts that aggravate the joint. One of the most acceptable activities for your joints is swimming or cycling. Swimming lowers joint strain due to water's buoyant properties.
• A few basic home remedies might reduce short-term joint discomfort by resting the joint and avoiding painful activities, icing the joint for 15 minutes every day, wrapping the joint with elastic, elevating the joint.
No matter what treatment you are following, get medical help right away if the pain gets intense, your joint suddenly becomes inflamed or deformed, or you can no longer use the joint at all.
Source: WebMD