Handling Joint Pain

With osteoarthritis often comes pain in the joints. There are several things you can do to combat the effects of this joint pain. Educating yourself about the problem will help you manage it and keep it under control. Your doctor will probably start by running a series of tests such as x-rays and a complete physical examination.

As soon as you begin noticing symptoms of the problem, it’s best to schedule a visit to your doctor. As with most problems, the earlier you catch it, the earlier steps can be taken to slow its progression.

By examining your medical history, testing your joint fluid and running blood tests to accompany your x-rays, your doctor should be able to deliver a diagnosis. You’ll be given several options to deal with the problem at hand.

For joint pain, the first option is often medicinal treatment. It may sound simple, but doctors usually recommend basic Tylenol, or another pain reliever with Acetaminophen to alleviate the pain. While this treatment may reduce the pain, it does nothing to address the problem of inflammation in the joints.

Your doctor may do more to address your symptoms, such as prescribing anti-inflammatory drugs, which reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints. This treatment offers a more comprehensive approach to relief for the patient, but it does not stop the progression of the disease, it only temporarily helps in the joint pain.

In cases of severe inflammation and joint pain, doctors may inject Cortisone into the damaged joint. Cortisone, unlike many anti-inflammatory drugs, is a steroid used to reduce inflammation and swelling.

Cortisone is a hormone that your body naturally produces and it provides almost instantaneous relief in the joint. There is a drawback, however, Corticosteroids can actually have an unhealthy effect on your cartilage by weakening it and depleting it of important nutrients, possibly contributing to the progression of the disease. Also, you cannot stay on Cortisone for long periods of time.

Other very popular and effective options include supplementation with glucosamine, which is a substances that acts as a re-lubricating agent for your tender and swollen joints.

Glucosamine is administered via an oral form (no injections) and is one of the best options for patients who have less than healthy joints. Glucosamine in a liquid form is recommended for joint pain and is often the best option. We’ll discuss this supplement in more detail in later articles.

Visit the Glucosamine Product Guide
A review of the leading commercial products available today. Each product is evaluated by type, method of delivery, quality, any additional ingredients and price.