Joint Pain Treatment
There are many treatment options available for joint pain, and your physician will determine what is best for you based on your diagnosis. Your primary care provider may even refer you to a specialist, such as an orthopaedic surgeon or rheumatologist. The treatment goal will be to reduce symptoms; increase joint movement; and lesson joint-damaging effects.
For the temporary relief of symptoms, some people find heat and cold therapy helpful, especially when used before or after exercise. Medications to relieve pain and relax muscles also are available, some are available over-the-counter and others are by prescription only. Your physician may also suggest anti-inflammatory medications. There are over-the-counter creams, rubs and sprays that are applied topically to temporarily relieve sore muscles and joints.
Cortisone injections, therapy, massages, and acupuncture provide even more options for the temporary relief of pain. Of course, these are all first-line treatment methods, meaning these options are pursued before turning to more aggressive options, such as a surgical procedure.
Joint replacements are one such surgical procedure. While joint replacements can give you a new lease on life, it is a major procedure and you, your family and your physician must seriously consider this option before making a final decision.
Your physician will broach the possibility of a joint replacement if you are: in severe pain that has not been relieved by other treatment methods; your ability to perform everyday functions is dramatically impaired; and/or you have marked joint instability that puts you at risk for additional problems.
