How To Treat Joint Pain And Inflammation
Joint pain can be debilitating. Whether it comes from an overuse injury or a chronic condition like arthritis, people who suffer this type of pain need adequate medical help. Fortunately, there are treatments that can relieve your pain. Doctors who specialize in joint pain can help you find the treatment you need. Here are four types of joint pain treatment that can help you battle discomfort and inflammation:
1. Heat And Cold Therapy
Heat and cold can reduce joint inflammation and pain. Some patients find that the use of hot compresses or hot water soaks greatly decreases their pain. The application of ice packs can also reduce inflammation. Your doctor can give you tips regarding the use of heat and cold therapy. Some treatment clinics feature equipment that can be used to apply consistent hot and cold temperatures to afflicted joints. However, you can get similar results at home using ice and hot compresses.
2. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
NSAIDs are commonly used in the treatment of joint pain because they combat the inflammation that often precedes pain. When your inflammation is managed, you experience less discomfort while doing daily activities. Some NSAIDs are readily available over the counter, but your doctor can also prescribe NSAIDs that may be better suited to treating your condition. Topical NSAID creams can also provide relief without negatively impacting your stomach and kidneys.
3. Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections can provide relief for acute joint pain. These injections are given directly into painful joints to provide relief that can last for several months. These injections can treat pain that arises from arthritis, tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other ailments. A doctor can decide if steroid injections are right for you. Steroid shots can weaken your tendons if they are given too often, so your doctor will weigh the risk of side effects against the benefits.
4. Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
SNRIs can also be used to help patients manage joint pain. Although these drugs are commonly known as antidepressants and are typically prescribed to treat depression and anxiety disorders, they can also help patients manage their pain. SNRIs can dampen the pain signals sent by your brain to other parts of your body, which can lessen your discomfort. When used in conjunction with other therapies, SNRIs can help patients reduce their pain levels, as well as improve mood disorders that arise from chronic pain. SNRIs must be taken on a consistent basis for optimal results.