Treatments and Lifestyle Changes for Joint Pain Relief
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for joint pain. Several types of medications and lifestyle changes can help, though, and they typically have few side effects. The key is to find what works for you, and then stick with it. It may take some trial and error to find what helps but it is worth the effort.
Nondrug treatments are often the first step, and they can be very effective. They also have the advantage of being safe and inexpensive. Here are some of the most popular treatments:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an over-the-counter pain reliever that can ease mild to moderate osteoarthritis pain. At higher prescription doses some NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) can also reduce pain and swelling.
Acupuncture, when a trained acupuncturist inserts hair-thin needles into precise points on your body, can ease pain for some people. Deep breathing, meditation and other relaxation techniques can help you de-stress, which may in turn lessen your discomfort.
Physical therapy can help improve your range of motion, decrease stiffness, and strengthen the muscles around the affected joint. Talk to your joint pain doctors about a program that’s right for you.
Weight loss can ease rheumatic pain by taking stress off of your joints. For every pound you lose, your joints get four pounds less pressure, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
Exercise can help you maintain your muscle strength, flexibility and balance, all of which are important …
Wayne Stone