First-line treatment for joint pain depends on what is causing your pain. If your pain is caused by a type of arthritis, then depending on which type it is, you might try hot and cold therapy, rest, and pain-relieving medicines. It is important to know what’s causing your joint pain before treating it. For example, heat should not be used in the initial treatment of joint injury, and icing can be harmful in some circumstances. Compression would not be used for conditions like gout.
If you have long-term pain, you can try over-the-counter pain medication or ask your doctor to prescribe pain-relieving medicines to take either just when it’s really bad or all the time, depending on your pain. If you choose to use over-the-counter pain medication, discuss your options with your pharmacist, as they will be able to advise you which ones are best to go with any other medication you are taking.
You can visit a physiotherapist who can suggest gentle stretches or exercises to make sure you retain a good range of motion for your joints. You don’t want joint pain to lead to not using the joint, and lead to muscle weakness and loss of function.
Some people try nutritional supplements or herbal combinations to help reduce their pain. There is some good research to prove the use of some herbs, but research also shows that some supplements are no better than a placebo, and some interact with prescription medicines. Talk to a qualified natural health practitioner about herbal products to make sure you don’t accidentally do yourself harm.
Other options for helping you cope with painful joints include:
- Relieve stress by meditation and mindfulness
- Pace yourself, prioritise, plan, and watch your posture
- Maintain a healthy weight and eat healthy foods
- Protect joints by using devices such as walking sticks and supportive, cushioned footwear
- Massage therapist, acupuncture, or yoga
- Distract yourself from the pain by doing something you enjoy, such as painting, drawing, gardening, listening to music and reading
- Cognitive behavioural therapy to change negative behaviours and thought patterns that are associated with pain
