Orthopedic pain can occur anywhere in your body because it is related to the musculoskeletal system. Pain can range from mild to severe, but even mild pain can prevent you from doing normal daily activities, such as standing or walking. If you have orthopedic pain, you may be wondering how you can treat this condition. Luckily, there are several options, depending on the severity of your condition, so take a look at four popular treatment options.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or (NSAIDs) are simply the pain medication you can buy over-the-counter at your local grocery store or pharmacy. These include ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen sodium. Prescription strengths are also available, but you'll need a script from your doctor. NSAIDs work because they block enzymes in your body that cause swelling and pain.
NSAIDs are a great option for anyone suffering from orthopedic pain, even if you are undergoing other treatments because it can keep away some pain. However, unless your pain is extremely mild, you'll probably need another treatment option to handle your pain and mobility. Keep in mind, however, that even though NSAIDs can be obtained from your local store without a prescription, there are side effects, so talk to your doctor first.
Cortisone Injections From Your Doctor
Cortisone is a steroidal hormone. While the term steroid may seem scary, cortisone is a naturally occurring hormone in your body. It is produced by the adrenal cortex. If you have more extreme pain from and NSAIDs aren't working anymore, your doctor may suggest giving you a cortisone injection made from synthetic cortisone.
This does a better job of fighting your swelling and pain, so you can get back to doing the things you normally enjoy. However, there are also side effects of cortisone. The area may feel painful and swell. In addition, people who receive cortisone injections are more likely to develop infection, high blood pressure, acne and damage to surrounding tissue. The more injections you get, the higher your risk side effects.
Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
Even if you are taking pain medication, it's a good idea to consider rehabilitation or physical therapy. Pain medications can help relieve the pain, but they won't fix the problem. With physical therapy, you strengthen your body, so you can rely on other muscles to make up for your injured area, so you experience less pain and inflammation.
Orthopedic physical therapy also helps return your range of motion. If you hurt when you move a body part, you aren't going to move it much. Overtime, you lose range of motion because muscles and tendons tighten if they aren't used enough. With physical therapy, you safely learn to regain that range of motion without the severe pain that made you stop. Physical therapy has few side effects. You will likely feel sore and tired after, but there are not the same side effects on your internal organs that NSAIDs have.
Surgical Solutions
If your pain medication and physical therapy isn't working, it's time to consider surgery. Your doctor will likely wait until all other treatments have been tried before agreeing to surgery. Luckily, with advances in modern medicine, your doctor can usually perform a minimally invasive procedure that uses smaller incisions and has a faster healing time.
With surgery, you should be finally healed after treatment, but you will likely need to continue physical therapy for pain and range of motion. Remember, surgery, even minimally invasive surgery, comes with many side effects, such as stroke, bleeding, nerve damage, etc.
Orthopedic pain can ruin your life and make it impossible to do the things you want to do, so stop suffering. There are minor treatment options that may even help improve your condition. Contact a doctor to start talking about possible treatments.
Share