There are upsides and downsides to most aspects of life, including aging. Unfortunately, the downsides tend to be all too noticeable. One major downside is increased joint pain due to arthritis, injury, or years of wear. As the pain increases and lingers, it can affect mobility and, thus, quality of life. Fortunately, joint injury treatment options help ease the pain and improve life. Here are some solutions to consider.
Joint Injury Treatments
Medication
Most people’s default response to chronic pain is medication. While aspirin and NSAIDs (Ibuprofen) can help alleviate pain in the short term, the side effects from long-term use are not ideal. The side effects can be especially damaging for older users, affecting the liver or stomach, depending on the pain reliever.
Injections
Injections are another option once the pain cannot be controlled by medication. Injecting steroids (corticosteroids or cortisone) to help relieve pain is the first step. Steroid injections can bring relief for six weeks to six months. However, it’s mainly used for severe arthritis, so it isn’t an option for everyone. If steroids are ineffective, gel shots (Viscosupplementation) can be done. Gel shots bring relief for up to six months. Again, every person is different, so the results will vary from person to person.
Spinal Cord Stimulation
One potential option for chronic leg and back pain is a minimally invasive procedure known as spinal cord stimulation. This method places a nerve stimulator on the spine to help inhibit the function of pain receptors. This procedure is FDA approved and may be an ideal solution for people facing severe, chronic leg or back pain with reduced mobility.
Electro Thermoplasty
Intradiscal electro thermoplasty (IDET) treats pain caused by a bulging low back disc. This method destroys damaged nerves to prevent pain reception. While some might consider this a harsh response, those in chronic pain may want to consider it to achieve a better quality of life.
Joint Replacement Surgery
When non-surgical treatments are ineffective, joint replacement surgery may be recommended. With the damaged bone removed and replaced with an artificial joint, mobility and stability are restored. Although invasive and requiring a lengthy recovery period, replacement surgery can bring new life to previously active people.
When it comes to joint injury treatment due to age and arthritis, there are more options available than just pain medications. Consulting with an expert to find the proper remedy is an essential first step in helping to find alleviation from chronic pain. Getting older has enough issues. Dealing with constant pain shouldn’t have to be one of those problems. There are options for pain relief and finding the right one is possible.
Carolina Regional Orthopaedics
Are you dealing with chronic pain? Is it affecting your quality of life? There are solutions. The pain management experts at Carolina Regional Orthopaedics can help. Contact us at 252-443-0400 and schedule a consultation today. Let us develop a treatment plan that will make you feel like your younger self.