Besides the prescription drugs, various other therapies are used for joint treatment . This includes heat application. Joint pain relief may be obtained through the application of heat to painful and stiff joints. This needs to be done for 20 minutes at a time. This can be done up to three times in a day. Heat aids in increasing local blood flow which improves flexibility. For heat treatment, you may use warm towels, hot packs as well as heating pads.
In case of acute pain, cold therapy may be used for joint treatment. You may use cold packs besides over the counter cooling sprays in order to relieve joint pain by numbing the nerves which are around the affected joint.
Hydrotherapy is another form of joint treatment. Exercising as well as relaxing in warm water aids in reducing muscle tension. The water tends to take off some weight from painful joints, which makes exercising that much easier.
Various supportive devices such as walking sticks tend to help as the weight is taken off the affected hips. Another option is to sleeping on a firm orthopedic mattress tends to ease the pain in the spine. Splints as well braces help by providing rest as well as support to weak and painful joints. But these should be used only after consulting your doctor.
Joint treatment is also being done by various coping strategies. Relaxation techniques are used in order to release the muscle tension which is present throughout the body. Do make sure to find time for yourself. Focus on things that you enjoy doing. Set yourself small but highly important goals. It is a good option to join a support group in order to help you avoid isolation.
Joint pain may make it difficult for the affected person to move all or a part of his body. There are many causes of joint pain. Moving gets difficult due to disorders that restrict joint movement. Else it may be due to disorders leading to weakness.
By Ezra Rogers Ph.D. in Community Health Services.
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