How To Get Rid Of Joint Pain?

 

From at-home remedies and lifestyle changes to clinical treatments and surgical options, there are numerous ways to address joint pain effectively. 

Joints are where your bones connect, such as in your hips, shoulders, elbows, and knees, enabling movement. Damage to these joints due to disease or injury can cause pain and hinder movement. Joint pain can occur in any part of the body, from feet and ankles to hands and shoulders, and it may affect one or multiple joints. Some individuals experience more pain in the morning, which eases with movement, while others feel increased discomfort after activity. The pain is often accompanied by inflammation, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. Treating joint pain is crucial for maintaining mobility and quality of life. Read on to discover effective ways to alleviate joint pain. If your pain worsens or persists, consulting a specialist like Dr Buddhadeb Chatterjee, best Orthopedic doctor in Kolkata, is advisable.

How to Treat Joint Pain?

There are multiple ways of treating joint pain, including various at-home remedies as well as clinical treatments.

At-home Treatment for Joint Pain

There are several ways to manage joint pain at home, including:

• Home Remedies: Your doctor may recommend using ice or a heating pad on the affected area for short periods multiple times a day. Soaking in a warm bath can also provide relief.
• Exercise: Engaging in low-impact aerobic exercises like walking or swimming can help restore strength and function. Those who participate in strenuous workouts may need to switch to gentler routines. Gentle stretching exercises can also be beneficial. Always consult your provider before starting or continuing any exercise program.
• Weight Loss: If needed, your provider may suggest losing weight to reduce the strain on your joints.
• Medication: Over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help ease pain. Stronger doses may require a prescription. If you have a history of kidney disease, stomach ulcers, or liver disease, consult your provider before taking these medications.
• Topical Treatments: Your provider might recommend topical treatments like ointments or gels to apply to the affected joint area to help alleviate pain. These are available over the counter or by prescription.
• Dietary Supplements: Supplements such as glucosamine may help relieve pain. Always consult your provider before taking any over-the-counter supplements.

Clinical Treatment for Joint Pain

If OTC medications or treatments do not alleviate your pain, your doctor may prescribe:

• Physical or Occupational Therapy: Engaging in therapy combined with a balanced fitness program can gradually reduce pain and enhance flexibility.
• Supportive Aids: Using a cane, brace, or orthotic device in your shoe can help support your joint and facilitate movement.
• Steroids: Administered by injection into your joint, steroids can offer short-term relief from pain and swelling.
• Antidepressants: These may be prescribed to help improve sleep.
• Pain Relievers: Additional pain relief medications may be prescribed to help manage your pain.

Surgical Treatment for Joint Pain

Surgery is also an option if the joint pain is persistent and does not improve with physical therapy, medication, or exercise. Available surgical options include:

• Arthroscopy: In this procedure, a surgeon makes small incisions over your joint and uses an arthroscope- a flexible, thin, fiberoptic instrument- to repair cartilage or remove bone chips in or near the joint.
• Joint Fusion: This procedure involves fastening together the ends of your bones, completely eliminating the joint. Your surgeon may use screws, pins, rods, or plates to hold your bones in place while they heal. Joint fusions are most commonly performed on ankles, hands, and the spine.
• Osteotomy: During an osteotomy, a surgeon realigns or reshapes the long bones of your arm or leg to take pressure off the damaged portion of your joint. This procedure can help relieve pain and restore movement.
• Joint Replacement: If other treatments are ineffective, you may need joint replacement surgery. This involves replacing the joint when the cartilage that protects and cushions the ends of your bones wears away. Common for knee, hip, and shoulder joints, this procedure involves removing parts of your bone and implanting an artificial joint made from plastic or metal. Joint replacement surgery has shown excellent results, with most people experiencing long-lasting pain relief.

Managing joint pain effectively is essential for maintaining mobility and quality of life. Various methods, including at-home remedies, medication, and physical therapy, can help alleviate discomfort and improve function. However, if your joint pain persists or worsens, it may be time to seek professional advice. Consulting with a specialist like Dr Buddhadeb Chatterjee, the best Orthopedic doctor in Kolkata, can provide you with a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.