The Merck Manual Go-To Home Guide For Symptoms by Robert S Porter

Author:Robert S Porter
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Merck

TREATMENT

The most effective way to relieve joint pain is to treat the disorder causing the pain. For example, antibiotics can be given to treat infectious arthritis. Bones with fractures may need to be immobilized (for example, set in a cast).

Drugs can also be used to relieve joint inflammation regardless of the cause. Such drugs include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or, for very severe inflammation, sometimes corticosteroids. Joint pain without inflammation, regardless of the cause, can be relieved with NSAIDs, although acetaminophen tends to be as effective and safer for most people.

Immobilizing a joint with a splint or sling is sometimes a useful temporary way to relieve pain. Applying cold (for example, with ice) is the best treatment immediately after an injury has occurred and can be used for relieving pain caused by joint inflammation. Applying heat (for example, with a heating pad) may decrease pain by relieving spasms in the muscles around joints. However, people should protect their skin from extremes of heat and cold. For example, ice should be put in a rubber ice bag or a plastic bag wrapped in a towel and not applied to the skin directly. Also, hot and cold materials should be applied for at least 15 minutes at a time to penetrate deeply enough to affect the most painful or inflamed tissues.

After the severe pain has lessened, doctors may recommend people have physical therapy to regain or maintain range of motion and strengthen surrounding muscles.

KEY POINTS

■ Single-joint pain in older adults is most often caused by osteoarthritis or gout.

■ Single-joint pain in young adults or adolescents may be caused by a sexually transmitted disease such as gonorrhea.

■ People who have sudden joint pain with swelling should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible so that infectious arthritis, if present, can be promptly treated.

■ Fluid from swollen joints is usually withdrawn and tested for infection and the presence of crystals.

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