Three Common Joint Inflammation Treatment Options

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Joint inflammation is a physical reaction resulting from the body's immune response to harmful stimuli, such as infections, injuries, pathogens, or irritants, preventing body tissue and cell damage. Blood vessels usually widen to transport white cells and platelets to the injured site, causing the joint to swell. Joint inflammation is usually localized in the injured or infected part but can spread to multiple joints in patients with inflammatory arthritis.

Inflammatory arthritis is a joint-related condition involving lupus, systemic sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, which are chronic or progressive. Thus, those who experience joint inflammation that does not subside after a few days should consult a doctor for medical examination. The joint inflammation symptoms include severe swelling, redness, chronic pain, and immobility. People with these symptoms should seek the proper treatment to subsidize chronic pain and severe swelling and restore joint mobility. Here are three treatment options for those experiencing joint inflammation.

Physical Therapy

Doctors use physical therapy to help patients suffering from severe joint inflammation regain full body function. Physical therapy strengthens the affected muscles and surrounding structures through customized exercises, thus minimizing tissue, cell, and joint damage. Doctors consider multiple factors, such as the type of injury, before prescribing tailored treatment exercises that speed up the recovery process. Doctors normally prescribe physical therapy and complementary treatment instructions like dietary change to increase the patient's chances of a positive outcome. They will tailor a diet that matches your physical therapy, exercise needs, and financial ability. Thus, those seeking joint inflammation treatment should consult a doctor to prescribe the right physical therapy exercises that target the inflamed joints for maximum recovery.

Prescription Medication

Prescription medication is suitable for treating minor or mild joint inflammation experienced by patients with minor injuries, infections, or in the early stages of progressive inflammatory arthritis. Doctors usually prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, prescription-strength pain killers, or arthritis medication depending on the patient's problem for pain relief and to minimize the swelling. Doctors usually consider illness and medical history factors before administering the medication. Thus, people should consult experienced doctors to acquire the right prescription drugs for the joint inflammation problem. 

Steroid Injections

Steroid injections, also called corticosteroid injections, treat multiple conditions, such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, sciatica, and joint inflammation. Doctors usually administer steroid injections to relieve severe pain, swelling, and stiffness through the blood, spine, muscle, or joint. Thus, people experiencing pain and stiffness from joint inflammation should consider getting a steroid injection from a specialist to treat the condition and prevent further health deterioration. 

For more information on joint inflammation, contact a professional near you.

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