Certain conditions and diseases cause pain in a joint, or the area where two bones meet. Arthritis, for example, can cause various levels of pain, depending upon the amount of inflammation produced. MayoClinic.com reports that minor joint pain can be relieved with over-the-counter, nonprescription medications, but more serious pain requires more serious treatments.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, can treat swelling and minor pain in and around joints. Some of these medications include ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen sodium. Other NSAIDs, such as etodolac and celecoxib are available by prescription and can treat more severe pain. Stronger prescription versions of certain over-the-counter NSAIDs are also available. NSAIDs can cause side effects, both serious and nonserious, such as abdominal pain, breathing problems, fatigue and nausea.
Resting
Along with medications, resting the joints as well as avoiding overusing them may help to decrease inflammation and pain. Any existing joint pain can flare up with the joint's overuse, and by allowing time for the joint to heal from the inflammation, pain can decrease or disappear. Injuries such as sprains can benefit most from rest.
Ice Packs
Applying ice packs to joints for 15 to 20 minutes a few times a day will help to alleviate swelling and pain around the joints. The ice shrinks the inflammation, allowing the person to experience some pain-free moments. This will work with many types of joint pain, but with most forms of arthritis, the relief will come in brief, temporary spurts. Injuries, however, are frequently treated with ice packs.
Warm Baths
Warm baths assist in soothing and relaxing the muscle around the bone. Decreasing the tightness around the bone will decrease the pressure surrounding the inflammation, too. The warmth from the bath will aid in circulation too.
Stretching and Massage
Stretching the muscles as well as massaging tired areas of the body promotes circulation and will aid in pain relief. Stretching the muscles around the bones also lessens their grip, causing relaxation and promoting pain relief. This should be done before and after exercise to keep the muscles surrounding the bones relaxed.
Physical Therapy
Physicians may recommend physical therapy treatment for people who need more extensive help with their joints. This intensive treatment includes the application of moist warm packs, electrode therapy, whirlpool baths and light exercise with weights. Physical therapy treatment helps bring circulation to the joint areas and increases strengthening of the muscles surrounding the joints and bones.
