According to recent surveys and research, the prevalence of joint diseases is only increasing among the population. Joints are the articulating part of the body. Many diseases can cause damage and destruction of joints and related structures. Examples include arthritis, gout, infection, or any injury as well. The most common causes are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis affecting large and small joints, respectively.
Particular Cause of Concern Regarding Joint Diseases
A particular cause of concern regarding joint diseases is impairment of mobility. The chief complaint in the majority of patients is the painful movement of the joint involved. While these episodes may be acute and severe in nature, they are more likely to cause chronic pain in a patient, progressing gradually.
Managing joint pain can prove to be a challenge for the doctor and patients, However, with the rising occurrence, more and more treatment modalities are being looked upon to effectively manage joint pain. An early diagnosis and proper care can make huge differences on the long-term scale. It is important to seek professional help as soon as you start noticing your symptoms such as tenderness, redness, warmth, or pain of the joint.
Many different treatment options are now available. First and foremost, pain medication is usually prescribed. These include agents such as NSAIDs. As the number one cause of joint pain is arthritis, which is the inflammation of the joints leading to a degeneration of joint space and eventually producing pain. NSAIDs can reduce the inflammation, ultimately delaying if not stopping the damage. This provides relief from pain. Topical analgesic ointments are available too.
Numb and Soothe the Pain
They can numb and soothe the pain temporarily. Physiotherapy is also thought of as a first-line treatment by plenty of doctors. Depending upon your disease, a physiotherapist can suggest a variety of exercises that can greatly benefit in increasing the range of motion of the ailing joint, making movement much easier.
The exercise can be different for each individual and is customized according to the person’s needs and goals. With this individualized care approach, a swift and speedy recovery is very much possible through daily exercise.
Stem Cell Therapy
Another interesting and comparatively newer option is stem cell therapy. Orthoremedy clinics in the UK and Ireland, offer non-invasive treatment options in the form of stem cell therapies and PRP injections. They have been successful in providing pain relief for multiple conditions like knee pain, shoulder pain, elbow pain, neck pain, back pain, ankle & foot pain, bursitis, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, etc.
It could replace conventional therapies in the future due to its wide-ranging advantages such as no need for anesthesia or long hospital stays, minimizing the risk for many associated complications. Surgery has now become the last resort. Procedures such as knee replacement and hip replacement are being done in patients in whom no other management plans worked.
Apart from the physical impact, joint diseases can take a toll on mental health as well. Joint pain can significantly impair a person’s ability to live independently. In such cases, assistive devices can restore some degree of functionality. Being actively involved in your recovery journey also lessens the burden of negative feelings on your mind.
Final Thoughts
Simple home remedies like massages, using heat and cold for pain relief can also temporarily ease your suffering. Similarly, changing your diet to include more vegetables and fruits can indirectly decrease disease progression. In any instance though, if the pain becomes intolerable, make sure to see your physician.
An alternate treatment, on the advice of your doctor, might suit you better. With the right kind of help and an empowered mindset, you can tackle the trouble of joint pain smartly.
