Arthritic joint pain caused by arthritis can be bothersome and even debilitating for some patients. Fortunately, though the disease affects as many as 46 million people in the United States, there are a number of remedies for arthritic joint pain including at-home treatments and medical options.
Heat
Morning stiffness and pain are often symptoms of arthritis. Application of heat to the affected area may relieve pain and stiffness and allow for greater mobility. A hot pack, heating pad, warm wax treatment or application of warm water may provide relief of pain.
Massage
One portion of pain related to arthritis may be increased muscle tension in the area surrounding the affected joint. Massage therapy may release tension and allow joints to move with greater ease. Massage therapy may also have the added benefit of providing relaxation, which the National Arthritis Foundation states may help to relieve and prevent pain of arthritic joints.
Physical Therapy
Exercise is often recommended as a method to prevent and manage arthritis joint pain. Physical therapy provides specifically directed exercise designed to increase joint mobility and strengthen surrounding muscles. Increasing joint mobility may relieve stiffness, while increasing strength may eliminate stress on affected joints by allowing for greater support and stability. In addition, cardiovascular exercise may help the patient lose weight, important as obesity is a major contributor to the development of arthritis.
Over-the-Counter Pain Medications
Many patients with mild to moderate arthritic joint pain will benefit from over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), such as naproxen and ibuprofen, are often the first-line treatment to manage pain and reduce inflammation of arthritic joints. Acetaminophen may be used for pain but will not help with inflammation associated with arthritis. Topical analgesics, such as creams containing methylsalicylate or capsaicin, may also be beneficial when used as directed.
Prescription Medications
Patients who have not achieved relief from the use of other methods may need prescription medication for the treatment of arthritis. Celecoxib is an advanced form of the NSAID class of medications which eliminates some of the side effects associated with OTC medications. Patients who are experienced moderate to severe arthritic joint pain may require the use of narcotic pain relievers, such as hydrocodone or propoxyphene. In some cases, the use of injectable or oral formulations of anti-inflammatory corticosteroids, such as methylprednisolone or prednisone, may be required to relieve inflammatory symptoms of arthritis.
Natural Supplements
Glucosamine and chondroitin are dietary supplements that have been widely used to prevent and manage arthritis. As reported in "Arthritis Today," a study conducted by the University of Utah School of Medicine concluded that in most patients with mild arthritis, no benefit was obtained, however patients with more severe pain, may receive some benefit.
Surgery
Some patients who have severe or debilitating arthritic joint pain may require surgery. Arthroscopic surgery may occasionally be used to smooth rough or torn cartilage in affected joints. More severe cases may require joint replacement of the hip or knee. Joint replacement, though extreme, may provide for complete recovery and a return to healthy mobility.
