Nonsurgical treatments for joint pain

Knee pain, shoulder pain, and other types of joint pain can be caused by a variety of conditions or injuries like osteoarthritis, overuse, infection, or immune system-related disorders, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

No matter what the cause of your pain is, or which joint is affected, many people with joint pain would like to avoid surgery if they can.

Each type of joint pain calls for a holistic approach, a unique combination of treatments that should be discussed with an orthopedic specialist. But here are a few nonsurgical remedies to think about.

Minimally invasive non-surgical pain relief treatments

• Corticosteroid injections (sometimes called steroid shots) and hyaluronic acid injections may decrease some types of joint pain. Corticosteroid injections reduce irritation around the joint and are usually given in a provider's office. Pain relief from steroid shots can last for months, and no more than two or three injections per year are recommended.
• Hyaluronic acid injections add lubrication to a joint to help reduce pain. Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the fluid around joints, but arthritis may make it thinner and less effective.
• Joint aspiration (removing fluid from a joint) may provide pain relief too. Your provider may also remove fluid from a joint for testing to look for the cause of joint pain.

Non-invasive pain relief treatment

Topical medications

There are many different over-the-counter topical pain remedies and anti-inflammatory medications that can ease pain and swelling. These come in gel or cream form and are rubbed into the skin over the painful joint. Talk with your provider to learn which one might work best for your joint pain.

Oral medications

Medical providers often recommend trying acetaminophen (like Tylenol) first. Your provider may recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, naproxen, or ibuprofen if the pain continues with the use of acetaminophen. However, both medications can have serious side effects if they are taken over a long period or in high doses. Let your provider know about any over-the-counter medications you are taking so they can monitor you for side effects.

Medical providers may also recommend prescription-strength pain or anti-inflammatory medications depending on the cause and severity of your joint pain.

Some studies indicate the dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin can ease pain, but study results have been inconsistent. Dietary supplements may interact with some prescription medication. Always check with your provider before taking any dietary supplements to make sure they are safe.

Electrical stimulation

Nerve stimulation (neuromodulation) is another form of non-invasive pain relief that uses electrical signals to decrease pain. There are multiple types of neuromodulation available and they are safe for most people. However, nerve stimulation can be dangerous for people with certain health conditions or implanted devices.

Natural relief for joint and arthritis pain

Hot and cold

• A heating pad or hot pack can be placed over painful joints to help relax the muscles and decrease stiffness. When using heat, make sure to put a towel or clothing between your skin and a heating pad or hot pack to protect your skin from irritation and burns. Take the hot pack off or add an extra layer of fabric if the heating pad or hot pack feels too hot.
• Use a cold pack to reduce swelling and inflammation around a joint. Cold packs and ice can also temporarily dull pain. Like hot packs, you need to use a towel or clothing between your skin and the cold for protection. Take the cold pack off or add an extra layer of fabric if it feels too cold or starts to feel painful or like it's burning.

Use your brain to decrease pain

Setting aside a few minutes a day to practice meditation, especially mindfulness meditation, has been shown to decrease pain. Mindfulness meditation focuses on being aware of the present moment. Instead of getting stuck on judgmental thoughts or negative feelings (both physical and emotional), mindfulness allows you to notice those thoughts or feelings and practice letting them go or watching them float away in your imagination. Deep breathing exercises and guided meditation like this one from the Arthritis Foundation are two easy and effective ways to start.

Hands-on joint pain relief

• Acupuncture, which uses thin needles to stimulate precise points on the body, has been shown to reduce joint pain in some people.
• Dry needling is another type of therapy that may help. Thin needles are used to relieve pain but are pushed farther into the tissue. Electrical nerve stimulation may also be added to dry needling.
• Some types of massage therapy have been shown to relieve joint pain, but intense or vigorous massage may make the pain worse.
• Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is another hands-on technique that's used to decrease pain in the joints. In OMT, a specially trained clinician moves, stretches, and adds gentle pressure to the muscles and joints to relieve pain.

Lifestyle changes

Daily routines and general health can have a significant impact on pain levels, inflammation, and the immune system:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat well with anti-inflammatory foods.
• Get enough sleep.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Quit smoking.
• Rest and take stretch breaks during activities.
• Stay active by participating in low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or tai chi.
• Take steps to decrease daily stress.

Physical therapy and occupational therapy for joint pain

Physical therapy can reduce joint pain through movement. A physical therapist may use exercises or hands-on techniques to help you:

• Improve flexibility
• Increase range of motion in your joints
• Strengthen muscles around joints for better support

Occupational therapy may also be helpful for joint pain relief. Occupational therapists help you do the things you need and want to do every day by teaching you to:

• Plan out tasks to save energy and decrease fatigue and stress that can increase pain
• Protect your joints from extra pressure during activities
• Use adaptive tools or equipment like easy-grip handles, elastic shoelaces, and specialized gardening equipment

Ready to create a custom joint pain management plan? Read more about how Reid Health Orthopedics can help or call (765) 983-3358 to schedule an appointment.