Joint pain treatment

A joint is an area at which two bone ends meet to provide motion to a body part. A typical joint is composed of bones that are separated by cartilage that serves as cushioning pad for the adjacent bones. Ligaments attach bone to bone around the joint.

Joint pain can range from mildly irritating to debilitating. It may go away after a few weeks (acute), or last for several weeks or months (chronic). Even short-term pain and swelling in the joints can affect your quality of life. Whatever the cause of joint pain, you can usually manage it with medication, physical therapy, or alternative treatments.

Causes of Joint Pain

Older age

Osteoarthritis

Overuse due to performing repetitive movements.

Injuries, impact or trauma

Inactivity

Inflammation

Treatment

Stick a pin in it

Acupuncture improves osteoarthritis pain is a little iffy. a 2013 research review did conclude that there's some evidence that this alternative treatment improves pain and stiffness in people with fibromyalgia

Medications

For moderate-to-severe joint pain with swelling, an over-the-counter or prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen sodium (Aleve), can provide relief.

Epsom Salt Soak

Add two cups of salts to warm bath water and soak for at least twenty minutes. Alternatively, Epsom salts can be used in a compress to apply directly to the skin. Simply dilute two cups into one gallon of water then soak your towel for several minutes to absorb the solution.

Allopathic Medicine

Joint problems caused by Inflammation are treated by using anti-inflammatory analgesics (pain medication) in the initial stages. Physical therapy like rest, hot and cold packs are also used. If the inflammation is due to auto-immunity, drugs known as “DMRDs” Disease Modifying Anti- Rheumatic Drugs are used. Steroids, Methotrexate, Hydro-chloroquine, Sulfasalazine and several other compounds have emerged in the category of DMRDs over the years.

Ayurvedic Treatment

There are many medicines in Ayurveda that help to strengthen the joints and reduce the degeneration. Ayurvedic physicians can choose ideal combinations for each individual. The therapies like Tailadhara (pouring of medicated oils), Nhavarakkizhi (massage with a bolus of rice boiled in medicated milk) and Ksheera vasthi are among the most effective therapies for preventing degeneration and to strengthening the joints.

Lifestyle Changes

Modifying one's diet may be necessary to enrich it with nutrients that help fight joint pain. Antioxidants like vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids - found in berries and cold water fish, respectively - are good for reducing pain and inflammation. In addition, calcium helps maintain healthy bones, which in turn reduces the risk of joint pain. Dairy products are rich in calcium, and for the lactose intolerant, alternatives like soymilk and fortified orange juice are available.