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file000586498819-e1459522768381 FINDING A QUALITY PHYSICAL THERAPY CLINIC

3 WAYS TO HELP ALLEVIATE JOINT PAIN

Pain in any of the 360 joints in the body can be annoying and should be cause for concern. Joint pain can be caused by many different things, so in order to treat them effectively, it is best to first find out the root cause.

Some of the joints that are most commonly affected by pain include the knees, elbows, ankles, wrists and hips. Coincidentally, these are some of the most used joints in the body and are prone to injury, arthritis and wear as a result.

Among the many ways to alleviate joint pain, here are three that are useful:

Pain medication

If you’re experiencing acute pain in the joints and swelling, pain medication is often the first recommendation by doctors. A variety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids and Cox-2 are available on the market, which can be bought over the counter or prescribed by a doctor, depending on the pain being felt and your body’s reaction. Aspirin and ibuprofen are among the most popular acute joint pain medications, while for lighter pain, Tylenol can be used. One drawback with medications is that they often come with side effects, including drowsiness, so precautions must be taken when administering.

Losing weight

For long-term joint pain illnesses such as arthritis, losing weight could be one of the best strategic pain reliever you could invest in. Excess weight puts pressure on weak or diseased joints and can produce unbearable pain. Medications may only offer temporary relief in such instances, so if you are overweight and suffering from arthritic related pain, you should focus on getting trim.

Natural Treatments/Physical Therapy

There are several natural treatments for joint pains. They include physical aids such as physical therapy, massage and acupuncture, which focus on improving blood flow, and dietary supplements. Common supplements that may offer relief include turmeric, fatty acids and several herbs. These are said to alleviate pain in a number of ways, such as lubricating the joints and also enhancing circulation.

Pain in the joints can vary from mild to excruciating, so knowing what the appropriate treatments are is important to help you get back to moving around without discomfort.

For many years, RPI Therapy Services has catered to patients in and around the St. Louis and Chicago areas, who experience joint pain. To learn more about our treatment programs and to schedule an appointment, click HERE to contact one of our offices.