You can injure your joints anytime, and because joints are responsible for flexibility and mobility, you will likely be unable to do anything after an injury. Joint pains are disturbing and tend to interfere with the daily routine of life. Thankfully, William L Yancey MD, specializes in treating joint pain using an advanced form of treatment. Before setting up a treatment plan, he will approach your symptoms keenly to establish the cause of the pain. He may likely recommend a few treatment options for your joint pain.
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Medications
Your doctor may prescribe medications like OTC prescriptions, ibuprofen, aspirin, and other anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve joint pains. For instance, you may receive a prescription for acetaminophen if your joints have little pain with no swelling. However, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding as a side effect. You may need stronger medications if you have severe joint pains that other medications cannot offer relief. Your doctor may prescribe opioids, muscle relaxants for muscle spasms, and antidepressants to block your pain signals. You may need to take the medication carefully because it may have uncomfortable side effects when mishandled.
Topical Agents
Your doctor may recommend using topical creams to relieve joint pain. First, you may receive a cream containing Capsaicin to help relieve pain if you have joint pain resulting from arthritis. Once you apply Capsaicin, it will trigger the release of endorphins, thus blocking pain. You may likely experience stinging and burning sensations on your skin when you apply the cream.
Injections
You may need injections if topical creams do not relieve your pain. First, your doctor may recommend steroid injections that you will need every four months directly into the affected joint. Your doctor may combine steroid injection with local anesthesia to offer more relief from joint pain. You may need to be cautious about your joint after the injection because overusing the joints may cause more damage and worsen your pain. Secondly, your doctor may suggest PRP therapy, which involves injecting your affected joints with platelets from your blood. You have a higher chance of a quick recovery with PRP because this form of injection will have minimal side effects.
Physical Therapy
Working out your muscles to increase strength and mobility may prove beneficial in reducing your joint pain while improving your motion. Your therapist may guide you through low-impact exercises to relieve pressure off your joints without damaging your joints further. You may need to lose weight if you are overweight and the condition pressures your joints, causing pain. Your doctor may recommend activities like swimming and cycling because they may not cause a forceful impact on your joints.
Find your doctor today at Yancey Pain & Spine if you have disturbing joint pain that completely hinders your mobility. The medical team at the facility has extensive knowledge in addressing various joint pains and treating their cause. You can discuss your treatment option with your doctor in detail, so you stay informed. Visit the website to make your online appointment.