Arthritis and joint pain may make routine activities uncomfortable and challenging. Nonetheless, there are several methods for efficiently managing joint pain and stiffness. There are numerous strategies for joint pain management, ranging from lifestyle adjustments to medical therapies. 

That’s why choosing correct arthritis, and joint pain treatment strategy may make or break your symptoms. Let’s discuss the causes of joint pain and stiffness in detail below.

Causes of Joint Pain and Stiffness

Millions of individuals worldwide have arthritis, which can cause significant pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. It is an incurable chronic disorder. However, therapy alternatives are available to help control symptoms and enhance the quality of life. 

The kind of arthritis determines the appropriate treatment approach, which may involve medication, lifestyle changes such as exercise and food, physical therapy, or surgery. Living with arthritis can be difficult, but people can live full and active lives with the right treatment.

Contrary to common belief, several distinct varieties of arthritis exist, each with its own set of symptoms and treatment choices. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, and lupus are some of the most frequent forms. 

Apart from arthritis, joint pain can be caused by other reasons, such as tendon injuries, ligament injuries, an injured meniscus, autoimmune diseases, sprains, or strains. 

Those suffering from joint pain must identify the exact reason for the pain to obtain the correct treatment for joint pain and stiffness.

Managing Joint Pain and Stiffness

• Lifestyle Changes

Non-pharmacological therapy, such as exercise and weight control, can effectively treat joint pain, stiffness, and other invasive treatment options. Exercise can aid flexibility, reduce inflammation and discomfort, develop muscular strength, and maintain bone density. 

Similarly, maintaining a healthy weight via adequate nutrition and exercise helps lessen joint strain, resulting in less discomfort and inflammation. Your doctor or physical therapist can collaborate to develop a safe and effective fitness programme tailored to your unique requirements and limits. They may advise you to devise a healthy food plan supporting your health objectives.

Medications

• Analgesics and Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Treatment for joint pain and stiffness frequently requires medication. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac can help relieve arthritis pain and inflammation. They may, however, cause stomach discomfort or raise the risk of bleeding, so discuss potential side effects with your doctor before taking them. 

• Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)

Drugs that address the underlying cause of your ailment and reduce inflammation are known as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic medications (DMARDs). These are administered to people with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and lupus.

These work to suppress the body’s hyperactive immunological and inflammatory systems. These medications can reduce the course of rheumatoid arthritis and prevent irreparable damage to joints and other tissues. However, DMARDs may take weeks or months to take effect and are not intended to give quick symptom relief. 

Also, traditional DMARDs commonly have adverse effects like appetite loss and nausea. diarrhoea,

pain in the abdomen, rash from an allergic response,  liver problems, a  low white blood cell count (leukopenia), a low red blood cell count (anaemia), and a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia).

New biological medicines have addressed several concerns, including targeting particular cells and processes contributing to the disease. These medications can be costly and have adverse effects, but they have been demonstrated to control symptoms and slow disease progression.

• Biologics

Biologics are a subset of the disease-modifying antirheumatic medicines family of pharmaceuticals (DMARDs). Traditional DMARDs depress the immune system, whereas biologics target specific immunological components, such as proteins, that induce inflammation. 

If you have moderate to severe RA and haven’t responded to standard disease-modifying antirheumatic medications (DMARDs), your doctor will most likely recommend a biologic. 

However, Biologics, like any other treatment that suppresses your immune system, might increase your risk of infection and other disorders. They may not be smart if they have multiple sclerosis or other problems, such as severe congestive heart failure. 

Before you begin a biologic, your doctor will do a TB skin or blood test. A test for chronic hepatitis B and C is also required. Based on variables such as the severity of your ailment and any underlying health issues, your doctor will assess if pharmacological treatment is appropriate for you.

• Topical Treatments

Experts recommend that you try topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) to treat joint pain and stiffness before taking tablets. They are prescription liquids (Pennsaid) and patches (Flector). Gel (Voltaren) is now accessible without a prescription over-the-counter. Research shows they can cure knee pain equally as effectively as medications but with fewer side effects.

Other Treatments

• Surgery

Traditional arthritis and joint pain treatment options, such as surgery and injections, are routinely explored. Surgical treatments may involve joint replacement or fusion, depending on the severity of the condition. Though, surgery has its side effects. Patients need to consider the risks and benefits of surgery with their doctor. Many non-surgical methods may be considered depending on the specific disease and individual circumstances.

• Joint Injections 

In some cases, treatment for arthritis also makes use of joint injections.  These injections are injected directly into the afflicted joints to alleviate inflammation and discomfort. Common medications used in joint injections include corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid.

It is critical to thoroughly review these choices with your healthcare physician to decide if they are appropriate for your specific requirements and circumstances.

• Alternative Therapies

Alternative therapy, in addition to surgical and injection-based techniques, can be successful in joint pain management. Acupuncture, massage therapy, and chiropractic treatments are examples of these therapies. 

Massage treatment can assist in improving blood flow to damaged regions while lowering muscular and joint strain. Chiropractic therapy focuses on restoring mobility and relieving pain by manipulating the spine and joints. 

Additionally, supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin can aid joint discomfort and function. These supplements and vitamins, like vitamin D and calcium, can also aid in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, improving general health and well-being. 

Examine these alternative treatments with your healthcare physician to decide whether they suit you. They may not be appropriate for everyone or require additional precautions based on particular health problems.

Conclusion

Arthritis and joint pain management may significantly enhance the quality of life. Invasive medical procedures like surgeries, drugs like DMARDs, Biologics, and NSAIDs, and non-invasive therapies like physical therapy and exercise can help reduce pain, stiffness, and oedema while boosting joint mobility and general function.

Furthermore, you should consult your doctor about any previous therapies you’ve tried and how helpful they were. Then, collaborate to set clear treatment goals that are personalised to your unique requirements and preferences. It ensures that you and your doctor are on the same page when designing an effective treatment for arthritis.