How to Alleviate Joint Pain

Our joints provide a connection between our bones, and damage to them can affect our mobility whilst causing significant pain. There are many medical conditions that can often lead to painful joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, bursitis, sprains and gout. We are, therefore, offering some helpful tips on how to alleviate joint pain.

Medication

Those living with moderate or severe joint pain that is combined with swelling can take either a prescription or over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen sodium. However, acetaminophen is also an effective treatment for those with milder pain that offers no swelling. It is advisable not to take this medication if you drink alcohol, as a large combination has been known to cause liver damage. Only in severe cases will a doctor prescribe a strong opioid, as the medication can cause drowsiness, as well as other side effects, such as constipation.

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist can help a person living with a joint complaint to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint, which will provide greater mobility and stability. Just some physical therapy a person may experience include hot and cold therapy, an ultrasound and electrical nerve stimulation.

Weight Loss

Joint pain can sometimes be amplified if a person is overweight. To alleviate the pain, it is beneficial to lose weight to remove pressure from the joints. While exercise is an effective way to lose weight, those living with a joint complaint should embark with a low impact workout that will not exacerbate the pain. Some of the most effective workouts to enjoy are cycling or swimming, as they can exercise the joints without placing pressure on them.

Topical Agents

Topical agents have been known to ease the pain caused by debilitating joint conditions, such as arthritis. Capsaicin is particularly effective as it can block substance P, which transmits pain signals, while triggering the release of the endorphin chemical, which effectively blocks pain. Yet, topical agents do come with side effects, such as burning or stinging once applied.

Steroid Injections

Those who do not experience pain relief from an oral or topical medication can receive a steroid injection from a doctor, which is often given every three months. Yet, they can potentially hide a sustained injury, which may result in both overuse and additional damage to a joint that could further impact a person’s mobility.

Medical Marijuana

78 million people are expected to be living with chronic arthritis by 2040. One treatment option that could potentially lead the way in pain management could be medical marijuana. While the federal government currently class cannabis as a Schedule I drug, scientific research and clinical trials have proven that it does have anti-inflammatory effects.

Medical marijuana is, however, legal in more than half of all US states, as it can both reduce swelling and ease joint pain, without worrying about life-threatening side effects. Marijuana security companies are also ensuring businesses comply with the law, such as uniformed guards for dispensaries and grow houses.

Joint pain can be long term or short term; however, there are many ways to alleviate the pain so you can get back to enjoying your everyday activities.