Joint Pain Frisco TX: Medical Treatments and Home Remedies

If you need to manage joint pain Frisco TX, you have several choices. They include surgery, prescription medication, injections, physical therapy and topical ointments. Many types of medical problems cause joint pain for middle-age or senior Americans. Bursitis, osteoarthritis, strains due to injuries and rheumatoid arthritis are just a few of the debilitating health issues people face. Joint Pain Frisco TX: Over the Counter and Prescription Medications Treat swelling accompanied by moderate to serious joint pain with aspirin, Aleve or Motrin. These anti-inflammatory (NSAID) pills may have side effects, like gastrointestinal bleeding. Don’t take these products with blood-thinning medications (Warfarin, etc.) and be sure to take aspirin after you’ve eaten a meal or snack. For mild pain without swelling, take Tylenol (acetaminophen), but avoid drinking alcohol and taking too much acetaminophen, as the combination may cause liver damage. If you have severe pain, your doctor may prescribe opioids or muscle relaxants. Using opioid medications may cause drowsiness or constipation if overused. Mild or moderate joint pain can be treated at home with topical creams. Capsaicin, derived from chili peppers, is one of the most effective ingredients in topical creams for joint pain. Capsaicin blocks pain-signaling Substance P and boosts endorphins. Endorphins, the same feel-good chemicals you get when exercising, block pain. Methyl salicylate, the main ingredient in the popular topical cream, Ben Gay, also works well to stop joint pain. Joint Pain Frisco TX: Injections and Physical Therapy When medication doesn’t provide relief, your doctor may recommend steroid injections directly into the painful joint. These shots are usually administered every three or four months with a local anesthetic. If an injection masks pain from an injury, it may result in overuse and extra strain on the joint. Injections are meant to be a temporary treatment for tendonitis, arthritis or joint disease. Physical therapy and exercise provide natural, long-term relief for joint pain. Even though the first few sessions may be painful, you’ll eventually feel stronger and experience a better range of motion. Hot and cold therapy, ultrasound and massage therapy provide pain relief and help improve problem areas to reduce future problems. If pain flares up at home, you can try one of the following remedies: • Rest the joint for 15-30 minutes • Elevate the joint above heart level • Ice the joint for 15 minutes 2 or 3 times a day • Use a wrap or brace to shield the joint from future injury • Take an elastic wrap and compress the joint When home remedies and medication aren’t enough, consult Texas Ortho Partners for joint pain Frisco TX treatment. Our surgeons are experienced in joint replacement, orthopedic pain relief, and sports injuries. We’ll determine the cause of your joint pain and recommend a course of treatment to restore your range of motion and help you resume daily activity without pain. Call us today at 469-293-4000 to schedule an appointment.