Based on the cause of the joint pain, the present situation of the patient, the situation of the joint cartilage and to the extent the joint pain is affecting the life of the patient, the treatment options are recommended.
Medical Treatment Options for Pain Management:
- Analgesics for pain management:
Analgesics are drugs that help relieve pain. Some also help decrease inflammation. Opioid analgesics and other strong painkillers traditionally have been prescribed mainly for shortterm intense pain. With careful monitoring, these types of drugs can be effective long term in treating chronic pain.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): They help reduce stiffness and swelling. They may reduce joint pain and inflammation. NSAIDs cut down on the production of prostaglandins, chemicals in the body that promote inflammation and lead to the production of pain signals.
- Corticosteroids: They are drugs related to the natural hormone in your body called cortisol. There are synthetic forms of cortisol that can be taken as pills or injected directly into joints or other tissues. These drugs help relieve pain by reducing swelling and inflammation in the area. Corticosteroid injections must be monitored carefully; side effects can occur if you receive injections too frequently. Joint injections are usually not done more often than every three months to prevent complications.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) : They are a category of medication frequently used to treat autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and related diseases. DMARDs work by suppressing the immune system to help control RA. This can slow the rate of joint destruction and disease progression. These drugs help relieve pain by controlling inflammation and limiting joint damage. They may take several weeks or months to begin working.
- Antidepressants: They may help relieve the depression often associated with chronic pain. A few antidepressant medications also have analgesic effects.
- Topical pain relievers: They can help relieve arthritis pain. These include gels, creams, rubs and sprays that are applied to the skin over a painful muscle or joint. Some topical pain relievers may contain combinations of salicylates, skin irritants and local anesthetics that relieve pain in one area. Other over-the-counter topical creams containing capsaicin (the chemical that makes chili peppers taste hot) may be used alone or with other medications to temporarily relieve pain. When applied as directed to joints affected by arthritis, the medication usually takes effect within two weeks. It works by decreasing a chemical in the nerves that sends pain signals to the brain.
Surgical Options for Joint Pain Treatment:
Most people with arthritis will never need joint surgery. But when other treatment methods don’t lessen the pain or when you have major difficulty moving and using your joints, surgery may be necessary. Some types of surgery for arthritis include:
- Arthroscopy: It is a surgical process that allows the surgeon to view and repair the inside of your joint through an instrument placed in a small opening in the skin.
- Synovectomy: It is a procedure in which the diseased lining of the joint – the synovium – is removed. It may help relieve pain and swelling.
- Joint replacement: It is a procedure in which a damaged joint is replaced with an artificial joint. It often relieves pain and may restore some joint motion and function.
- Joint fusion, or arthrodesis: It is a procedure that permanently fuses damaged joints. It may help relieve the chronic pain of some joints, such as the wrists, when splinting isn’t enough.
Non Medical Options for Joint Pain Treatment:
Heat and Cold Therapy
Using heat and cold treatments can reduce the pain and stiffness of arthritis. Cold packs numb the sore area and reduce inflammation and swelling. They are especially good for joint pain caused by a flare. Heat relaxes your muscles and stimulates blood circulation. You can use dry heat, such as heating pads or heat lamps, or moist heat, such as warm baths, warm showers or heated washcloths or paraffin wax for your hands. Before using a hot or cold treatment, be sure your skin is dry and free from cuts and sores. If you have visible skin damage, don’t use cold or heat, especially a paraffin wax bath. Use a towel to protect your skin from injury when you are treating an area where the bone is close to the skin’s surface. After using heat or cold, carefully dry the area and check for purplish-red skin or hives, which may indicate the treatment was too strong. Also check the area for any swelling or discoloration. Gently move the joint to reduce stiffness. Allow your skin to return to normal temperature and color before using heat or cold again.
Massage brings warmth and relaxation to the painful area. You can massage your own muscles or you can ask your doctor or other health care provider to recommend a professional who’s trained to give massages. Keep these tips in mind when considering massage:
- When doing self-massage, stop if you feel any pain.
- Don’t massage a joint that is very swollen or painful.
- When giving yourself a massage, use lotion or oil to help your hands glide over your skin.
- If you have a professional massage, make sure the massage therapist has experience working with people who have arthritis.
Please note that the non medical options can only provide you interim pain relief. Consult your specialist for training and the use of the right pain relief method.