14/01/2025
Finding Relief from Chronic Joint Pain
Chronic joint pain is pain that lasts for more than 3 months and doesn't go away. It is a common problem that can affect any joint in the body like the knees, hips, back, hands, etc.
What Causes Chronic Joint Pain?
🔹Osteoarthritis
🔹Rheumatoid arthritis
🔹Injuries
🔹Gout
🔹Infections, and autoimmune disorders
Finding the right diagnosis is important to determine the best treatment options. Healthcare providers can perform exams and tests to identify the underlying cause
Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies
🔸Lose extra weight to reduce stress on joints
🔸Do low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and stretching
🔸Use heat and cold therapy. Heat helps relax muscles while cold therapy (like ice packs) alleviates acute pain and swelling
🔸Wear supportive braces or sleeve compression on painful joints during activities.
🔸Maintain proper posture
🔸Get enough rest
Medical Treatments
If lifestyle remedies are not providing enough relief use
✅ Over-the-counter pain relievers
✅ Prescription anti-inflammatory medications (healthcare providers will give you prescription)
✅ Some injections to lubricate joints and improve mobility
✅ Physical therapy to improve joint function
✅ Braces, custom shoe inserts, or assistive devices like knee scooters
✅ Surgery like joint repair, replacement, or fusion for advanced joint damage
✅ Complementary methods like massage, acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, and electrical stimulation.
Finding the right treatment options takes some trial and error. It helps to have open discussions with your healthcare provider. Be patient but persistent in working to control your joint pain and improve daily function