Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Problems with Joint Pain and Treatments Used for Them

By Mike Trudeau

Joint pain can be caused by several types of diseases, injuries or other conditions. No matter the cause, joint pain can cause you a lot of pain, and even take away your independence. The pain can cause you to limit your mobility. If you lose your mobility this is what will take away your independence.

Joint pain is quite common among adults particularly in people that are in their mid 40s and over. There are a lot of people that have creaking in their knees or hips and other joints. This may not necessarily be a result of growing older, but it could be arthritis or another cause. The best known treatment for joint pain is exercise, believe it or not. It helps to limber the joints and keep them flexible. Medications like ibuprophen or aspirin are also often prescribed.

If you have had the joint pain for more than a week, or it is accompanied by a fever, you need to consult your physician. Tests may include taking blood samples, x-rays, or ultrasounds among other things. Once the cause is found a treatment plan will be implemented by your doctor.

Most treatments will include something to reduce your pain. Antibiotic therapy will be included if you have an infection, physical therapy may also be a part of your treatment plan, as well as exercise to keep your joint limber. There are other medications that might be used as well depending on the cause of your pain.

Joint pains can be attributed to a serious problem or be a symptom of a serious disease such as gout, tendinitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or an infection. Taking over the counter medications like pain relievers are usually not enough to cure the pain, because it can become a chronic pain over time. This is why seeking out a physicians help is important.

In some cases degeneration due to age or disease can be devastating to a person. The joints and the cartridge in the joints break down, and surgery may be an option. This can be a good option for many, and physical therapy will be required after the joint replacement. Hip and knee replacement surgeries are quite common these days and are just as safe as other surgeries. These can give you back your mobility and independence. You will be able to move better with a new joint, and the pain should disappear.

Surgery such as knee or hip replacements, are often done if the injury or disease is irreversible and this is the only way to keep you independent. You will require physical therapy and pain medications to get you through this treatment as well. Treatments are all geared to keeping you Independent. - 15343

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