As you age, you will start to feel different pains and aches in your body, especially in your joints. However, aging is not the only culprit. Wear and tear, overuse, excessive weight, depression, and other chronic medical problems can also cause joint pain. Luckily, there are treatment options available to help alleviate your symptoms.
Some joint pains are mild and may be left alone to heal on their own. However, some pains are too severe or happen too often (chronic pain) to ignore and may impact your daily routine. If such pain occurs, here are some treatments that can help. Before beginning any treatment, visit an orthopedic doctor. It is important to get to the root cause of your joint pain before exploring treatments.
Exercise and Weight Loss
If your joint pain is caused by excessive weight, exercising and losing weight can help alleviate it. Walking, swimming, or aerobic exercises are great options. Eat a healthy diet and cut out junk food. However, you should consult with your doctor about exercise and diet changes in order to minimize any complications. Also, remember to stretch and do warm-ups before doing exercise to reduce the chance of injury.
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Over-the-counter drugs can help relieve joint pain. Medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease pain temporarily. If over-the-counter pain relievers do not work, you may need a doctor’s prescription to acquire stronger medications.
Physical Therapy and Support
If medications and rest do not work, you may need additional help to treat your joint pain. Braces, or orthotic devices in the shoe can give extra support for your joints to allow for less painful movement.
In addition to the support, physical therapy may also be recommended to manage your joint pain. An occupational therapist or physical therapist may design an individualized program for you that includes strengthening exercises.
Steroids
If over-the-counter pain relievers do not work, your doctor may suggest steroid injections for your joint pain. It is directly injected into the affected joint to alleviate pain. Results can be felt immediately and bring you relief for months at a time.
Joint Replacement Surgery
For chronic pain caused by a deteriorated joint, your doctor may recommend joint replacement surgery. This procedure will replace damaged tissue in your joint with artificial pieces. This treatment method offers long-term relief from joint pain. It is most common for patients who have chronic pain caused by arthritis and serious joint injuries. Joint replacement surgery is most commonly performed on the knee and hip.
Chronic Joint Pain Treatment In Michigan
Joint pain can severely affect your daily life. It is always best to seek immediate medical care to find out the best treatment option for your pain. The doctors at Movement Orthopedics in Clinton Township, Michigan, can assist you with your joint pain – no matter the root cause. We are well-equipped with the knowledge of diagnostics, prevention, and treatment for all types of joint issues.
To make an appointment, please call (586) 436-3785 or request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you find relief from your joint pain
