Pain in the joints can have a variety of causes. For some, the pain is caused by an impact, repetitive stress, or another injury. For others, chronic joint pain can be a symptom of a condition like arthritis. Joint pain can cause many debilitating short and long term effects, including impaired mobility and permanent damage to the joints. No matter the cause, pain in the joints is an indication that something is not right with your body, and proper treatment will be needed to restore functioning and manage or eliminate pain.
What patients may not know is that these treatments are not necessarily surgical. Before resorting to surgery, an orthopedic specialist may recommend any of the following to treat or manage joint pain.
- Physical Therapy. A physical therapist will teach the patient exercises that build strength and promote flexibility. By practicing these exercises regularly, the joint can strengthen and pain can lessen.
- Massage. By carefully applying pressure to the joint and areas around it, a massage therapist can alleviate pain in the joint. Massage techniques can also be taught to patients to utilize ongoing.
- Bracing. Wearing a brace on the affected joint(s), particularly if pain is the result of a repetitive or sports injury, lessens pressure on the affected joint, allowing cartilage around the joint to heal.
- Injections. Injections, such as corticosteroids or Hyaluronic Acid , can lessen joint pain and inflammation. However, these results are typically short-term, and ongoing treatments are required.
- Acupuncture. This ancient Eastern medical tradition involves the application of small needles to various points on the body, relieving tight or spastic muscles.
To learn more about both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for joint pain, schedule an appointment with the NJ orthopedic surgeons at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute.
