Treating Ongoing Arthritis Pain
Developing arthritis is not unusual, especially as you age or if you had a previous injury. When arthritis pain becomes an ongoing problem, it is important to talk with your doctor about a definitive diagnosis and a long-term treatment plan.
Testing
It is important for your doctor to order additional tests if you are experiencing ongoing joint pain. Tests can be helpful for doctors to identify the underlying cause since many types of arthritis can be the cause. Some blood tests can identify certain types of inflammatory arthritis or gout. Unfortunately, blood tests are not conclusive because you can have inflammatory arthritis or gout without the blood work to support a diagnosis. Your doctor may also want imaging tests that can show damage to the joint and/or soft tissue swelling. Based on the results of blood tests and imaging, your doctor may want to refer you to a specialist for an accurate diagnosis.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Doctors will often prescribe anti-inflammatory pain medications, which can reduce swelling and ease some joint pain. All anti-inflammatory medications, whether they are retail or prescription, carry the risk of bleeding or gastrointestinal irritation, so they should be used wisely. One advantage of taking prescription anti-inflammatory medications is they are generally more potent and some have an extended release version. These may be more effective and last longer than what you buy at retail, so you may not need to take them as often to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Lifestyle Modifications
Depending on the underlying cause of joint pain, your doctor might recommend lifestyle modifications and/or physical therapy to reduce pain and slow the progression of joint damage. Losing weight can be helpful for most forms of arthritis, especially if pain affects your weight-bearing joints. The less weight you have on your joints, the easier it will be to move around, and you may find your pain lessens. Activities that improve joint function by strengthening the surrounding muscles and soft tissues may also help keep the joint strong and improve range of motion. For people with inflammatory arthritis, gaining control over the disease may be more important at first. If you are continuously having flare-ups, it is difficult to rebuild strength in the joint, and you may increase your risk of injury.
Although occasional pain and inflammation associated with arthritis are often managed with retail products, ongoing problems need to be evaluated. Having an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can improve pain while reducing joint destruction and long-term disability. For more information, speak with your primary care physician.
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