Either mild or severe, joint pain can keep you from doing things that are important to you. Daily essentials, such as cooking, writing or even wearing clothes, can be like torture if your joints bother you. Many people postpone a doctor’s vision because they assume that their joint pains are not important enough to worry about or because they take pain in the joints as “as is”. However, see that a doctor can be useful for you if you have moderate or severe pain in your joints. A doctor can diagnose you if you have a root cause of joint pain, and can suggest what you can do to treat joint pain.
Exclude anything more serious
Since many things can cause joint pain, such as trauma, reuse, arthritis, tendinitis, gout or even viral infections, it is important to exclude anything more serious. At the doctor’s office, expect her to ask you some questions about your joint pain to determine if your pain is the result of arthritis. Expect an explanation of the location, severity, and duration of joint pain. Also wait for her to ask you what aggravates her joint pains and what she uses for treatment. Your doctor will want to know if it hurts more when you move or when you keep it immobile, so before you go to the doctor, try to make mental notes about your symptoms. If it helps, write down the time of day or the actions you took when the joint pain arose. Do not forget to mention to the doctor any other symptom that may bother you, as they may be related.
Tests to confirm joint pain
Doctors will sometimes have tests that confirm their joint pain. For example, x-rays are useful, but the doctor may also want to analyze a blood sample. Both procedures allow doctors to become more familiar with their symptoms, allowing them to make a more accurate diagnosis.
If it turns out that your joint pains are not caused by arthritis, some of the things you can do for treatment is to make your joints rest as much as possible. Heat can help relieve pain, as well as over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, to reduce pain. If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if they are accompanied by fever or unexplained weight loss, consult a doctor immediately.
Things to try
If you are diagnosed with arthritis, there are some things you can try, but no solution will be effective for everyone. Your doctor will develop a plan for treating joint pain with you based on your individual pain and the severity of the arthritis. You can prescribe Wisconsin physical therapy or offer supplements for joint health. If you have a chronic illness, you can work on how to handle the pain of arthritis. Some treatments include massages, warm healing baths, exercises, relaxation techniques, res and proper nutrition. Medications can also be prescribed to help deal with pain. Many people suffering from severe joint pain swear by supplements and topical creams for temporary relief. Talk to your doctor to find out what treatment for joint pain is right for you.
