Wednesday, January 28, 2009

The Causes of Joint Pain and the Many Treatments Achievable

By Fred Sykes

The causes of joint pain can vary one can have joint pain due to an injury, arthritis, disease, or illness just to name a few. Joint pain can also come from the aging process. The treatments for joint pain would depend on the cause of the pain.

Joint pain is quite common among adults particularly in people that are in their mid 40s and over. There are a lot of people that have creaking in their knees or hips and other joints. This may not necessarily be a result of growing older, but it could be arthritis or another cause. The best known treatment for joint pain is exercise, believe it or not. It helps to limber the joints and keep them flexible. Medications like ibuprophen or aspirin are also often prescribed.

For instance, the joint pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis is a function of the immune system destroying the cartilage in the joints affected. This will not be treated in the same way as pain due to Fibromyalgia. Both will be treated with pain medicines, but physical therapy, steroids or other medications might be used as well.

Most treatments will include something to reduce your pain. Antibiotic therapy will be included if you have an infection, physical therapy may also be a part of your treatment plan, as well as exercise to keep your joint limber. There are other medications that might be used as well depending on the cause of your pain.

There are homeopathic and herbal supplements and treatments that can be used as well. There are supplements such as Glucosamine that can help your joints, and fish oil is said to help you as well. Whatever you and your doctor choose the treatment should keep you mobile and independent.

In some cases degeneration due to age or disease can be devastating to a person. The joints and the cartridge in the joints break down, and surgery may be an option. This can be a good option for many, and physical therapy will be required after the joint replacement. Hip and knee replacement surgeries are quite common these days and are just as safe as other surgeries. These can give you back your mobility and independence. You will be able to move better with a new joint, and the pain should disappear.

No matter the cause of you pain or how you decide to treat it, getting treatment is the most important thing you can do to help your pain, and stop loss of mobility. - 16492

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