Overview
- Arthritis related
- Non-arthritis related
Joint pain causes
Arthritis related to joint pain explains itself well. The one that occurs because of arthritis but it is further subdivided into osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
The osteoarthritis joint pain means the breakdown of cartilage which serves as a cushion between two bones. It generally occurs because of the age factor and affects your knees, neck, lower back, hips, and fingers.
Joint pain can also be a chronic autoimmune disease that predominantly affects joints, known as rheumatoid arthritis. The symptoms for the same are severe. That’s when you must consult a doctor for joint pain treatment.
Joint pain that doesn’t relate to arthritis occurs because of depression, hypothyroidism, hemarthrosis, etc.
Joint pain treatment
If you have been diagnosed with joint pain recently, follow the below-mentioned joint pain treatment
- Self-care at home: The initial and crucial step towards joint pain treatment is self-care. It includes a visit to your doctor at regular intervals, formal exercise routine, healthy habits, and weight loss
- Medication: Based on your diagnosis, the doctor may recommend some medication to ease your joint pain
- Physiotherapy: During joint pain, your joints and muscles around it must have a range of motion. For the same, physiotherapy is your one-stop solution
- Alternative methods: Apart from physiotherapy and self-care, you may indulge in other joint pain treatment like acupuncture and yoga
- Surgery: The last and least recommended option is complete joint replacement
What to do next
- Get a diagnosis: a doctor can tell osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout or another cause apart, and the treatments differ; see osteoarthritis vs rheumatoid arthritis.
- Keep moving: gentle exercise, walking and stretching protect joints; see exercise with arthritis.
- Manage weight: every kilo lost takes load off the knees and hips.
- Use heat or cold for comfort; see heat or cold for joint pain.
- Choose supports wisely: knee sleeves, insoles and walking aids help some people; see walking aids for knee arthritis.
- Pace the day, with rest between tasks.
Medicines and remedies
Take medicines exactly as prescribed. Painkillers of the NSAID type can harm the stomach, kidneys and heart in older people, so they should not be taken regularly without a doctor's advice. Supplements have mixed evidence; see joint supplements: evidence.
Warning signs
A hot, red, swollen joint, joint pain with fever, a sudden inability to move a joint, or pain after a fall needs urgent medical attention.
When to ask a professional
An orthopaedic doctor or rheumatologist can diagnose and treat; a physiotherapist can design exercises. See arthritis at home. Our care advisors can arrange physiotherapy and home equipment.
About our care services
Furthermore, joint pain treatment needs special care, attention, daily monitoring, and advice. With a hectic lifestyle, it becomes difficult for you to work on such things. Let Emoha Elder Care help you with the same.
Equipment mentioned in this guide
Frequently asked questions
Is joint pain a normal part of ageing?
It is common, but it should still be checked, since it can often be eased.
Is exercise safe for painful joints?
Usually yes, when it is gentle and guided. Avoid movements that sharply increase pain.
Is knee replacement the only option?
No. Surgery is usually considered after other treatments no longer help.
Do braces and supports work?
They help some people with stability and comfort. A physiotherapist can advise.
Sources and further reading
- NICE guideline NG226, Osteoarthritis in over 16s: diagnosis and management
- Indian Rheumatology Association, patient information on arthritis
- World Health Organization, Osteoarthritis fact sheet
Tags: Joint Pain #Treatment #Causesjoint painarthritisphysiotherapypain reliefJoint and pain supportKnee support sleeveCushioned insoles and heel padsCushions, pillows and comfortMobility and walking aids
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Speak to your doctor before changing your exercise, diet or medicines.
