NONSURGICAL OPTIONS
Prior to undergoing surgery, you should try to alleviate your discomfort with non-surgical treatment options. These options include rest, ice or heat, exercise, medications, therapy, weight-loss, and injections.
Home Treatments
Ice/ Heat
Using ice for an acute injury or one that has occurred in the last 48 hours is best treated with ice to help reduce swelling and pain.
Heat is best to use for sore muscles or chronic conditions to help bring blood flow to the area and sooth achy muscles.
Medications
Over the counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with mild to moderate discomfort. Creams and ointments can also help sooth aching joints. You should check with your pharmacist or doctor if you have any conditions that their use may be contraindicated or increase your risk for heart attack or stroke.
Exercise
Everyone should participate in 30 minutes a day of activity. This can be low impact walking or biking to help keep your joint mobile, your muscle strong and is good for your heart and lungs. Staying activity is the best way to prolong your independence. Consult your doctor before taking on any new program.
Simple exercise bands or body weight exercises can help.
Weight Loss
Many people are surprised to find that loosing weight will actually help their joint pain. The extra weight we carry puts more stress on your joints leading in an increase in pain and also hinders mobility. Simple steps like cutting out soda and sweets can help with weight loss. Consult a nutritionist or dietitian if you need additional help with weight management.
Next Steps
If home remedies have not worked its best to seek out advice from a orthopaedic specialist. At Orozco Orthopaedics, we will get x-rays, evaluate your concerns, and determine a treatment plan. This plan may include additional imaging such as MRI/ CT-scans, injections, or surgery.