Know How to Treat Joint Inflammation

The treatment for joint inflammation depends on the cause. Minor injuries that cause inflammation may not require any treatment except some painkillers. The injury will heal with time and proper rest, and the inflammation will go away. However, serious injuries require proper treatment and even surgery. If the inflammation is caused due to an infection, then the doctors may also suggest antibiotics. Another treatment for joint inflammation is joint aspiration.

Joint Aspiration

Joint aspiration refers to the process of removing fluid from the space around the joint. It can be used both for diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes. This procedure is performed with the help of a syringe and needle. Joint aspiration helps in relieving symptoms such as swelling.

What Drugs Are Used to Treat Inflammatory Diseases?

These are the medications that a healthcare provider might suggest to avoid complications related to joint inflammation:

1. Narcotic pain relievers
2. Anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as naproxen, ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.
3. Corticosteroids such as prednisone

Before getting a prescription, a person must always let the doctor know about their medical history, any medications they are taking presently, any chronic health concerns, etc. This way, the doctor will only suggest medications that do not harm a person's health or cause any side effects.

If the joint inflammation is the result of inflammatory arthritis, then the doctor will prescribe arthritis medications such as metformin. 

Other Methods of Treatment

1. Dietary Changes: Certain herbal supplements, food items, and dietary changes can also relieve joint inflammation. Even though there is no conclusive evidence that diet has any major role in treating joint inflammation, some food items have been found to eradicate or worsen the effects of the condition.
2. Foods to Eat
   1. Fish oils 
   2. Omega 3 fatty acid supplements 
3. Foods to Avoid
   1. Food items rich in purines, such as shellfish and red meats
   2. Foods that contain high levels of uric acid such as alcohol (especially beer), soft drinks, etc. 
   3. Items with gluten, such as barley, rye, wheat, etc.

Physical Therapy

If joint inflammation has caused restricted movement in the body, physical therapy can be adapted to regain functioning and prevent damage to the surrounding muscles. This includes acupuncture, chiropractic care, and massage. These treatments will not work on their own unless accompanied by medications. 

Home Remedies for Joint Inflammation

Besides medical supervision, some remedies also provide relief from joint inflammation temporarily. 

1. RICE Method
   1. Rest Ice Compression Elevation, aka RICE, can help provide relief from pain and inflammation in the early days of an injury. Rest is very important. Try not to move the affected joint. If you put pressure or weight on the joint, it can increase inflammation. Applying an ice pack can also reduce swelling. It makes the affected area numb, so the pain temporarily goes away. Keep the affected area as elevated as possible. If you have an injury on your feet, try to keep them up by placing a cushion or pillow under them.
   2. Wrapping the joint with a bandage also helps. It compresses the joint, which reduces inflammation. 
2. Exercise
   1. A doctor may suggest some physical therapy to heal the injury at the joint, which will eventually reduce the inflammation.
   2. However, one should not try to follow any exercise without proper consultation from a professional.
   3. Certain exercises can also make the movement of the joint better and help in healing the injuries faster. A physical therapist might also be able to help in cases of chronic inflammation.
3. Epsom Salt Treatment: Soaking the affected joint in Epsom salt water can also ease the pain.

Results of Joint Inflammation

Chronic joint inflammation can lead to joint damage. Surrounding muscles can also suffer damage due to inflammation. It can also wear down the cartilage (that is, the connective tissue found in the body) and the joint lining. This leads to excessive irritation.

For minor injuries, a person does not need to go to a doctor. They heal on their own. However, for severe injuries, proper treatment and medication are required. If a person has symptoms such as pain, swelling, water retention, stiffness, and redness, they must visit a medical professional to get treatment. Here are some things to consider:

1. If the pain of the injury does not go away in a few days
2. Daily functions are getting hampered because of the pain being intense such as walking, lying down, etc.
3. Pain is accompanied by fever
4. If the injury is so severe that a person suspects bone damage (fracture)

Takeaway

Chronic joint inflammation can affect one or more joints in your body. It is best to seek medical treatment before the condition becomes worse. Joint inflammation can be difficult to treat if it becomes chronic in nature and is left untreated for a long time.