Joint Pain: What Are Your Options for Relief?

Are you one of the millions of adults suffering from joint pains? You are not alone. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, out of the 54 million adults with arthritis, 43% of them have limitations in movement due to joint pains.

There are various conditions that can lead to painful joints, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, bursitis, strains, gout, sprains, and other injuries. The most common complaint is knee pain, followed by hip and shoulder pain.

Joint pain becomes more common as a person ages, and can affect the quality of your life. It can be mildly irritating to downright debilitating. Whatever the cause of joint pain, it can normally be managed through physical therapy, medication, or alternative treatments.

If you are experiencing joint pain, don’t hesitate to see us at Physicians Premier, your College Station ER. We can help reduce the inflammation and pain and preserve joint function.

Here are some of the treatment options for joint pain:

Medications

For moderate to serious joint pain with swelling, an over-the-counter medicine or prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen sodium can provide relief. Cox-2 inhibitors are a newer generation of NSAIDs, which is also good for pain relief.

There are other medications that may help relieve pain:

• Muscle relaxants (these are used to help with muscle spasms, and might be used with NSAIDs to heighten the effect)
• Some antiepileptic and antidepressant drugs (which both interfere with pain signals)

Injections

Injections are for those who don’t find relief from topical or oral medications. The doctor can administer a steroid injection directly into the joint every three to four months. This type of treatment is normally used in arthritis patients.

Other options include:

• Extracting fluid from the joint
• Hyaluronan injections, an artificial version of the natural joint fluid

Physical Therapy

Another option would be to work with a physical therapist to stabilize and strengthen the joint and enhance your range of motion. Techniques such as electrical nerve stimulation, ultrasound, heat or cold therapy, and manipulation might also help.

Care at Home

You can also relieve joint pain with some easy techniques which can be done at home.

• Protecting the joint with a wrap or brace
• Resting the joint
• Icing the joint for 15 minutes several times a day
• Compressing the joint with the use of a plastic wrap
• Elevating the joint above heart level

Chondroitin and Glucosamine supplements can also help improve joint function. These substances help protect joints and cushion the bones.

Regardless of what your doctor recommends, go to your nearest College Station Emergency Room if your joints suddenly become deformed or inflamed, and if the pain gets too intense.