The types of joint pain relief available to a person experiencing joint pain will sometimes vary according to the cause of the pain. A proper diagnosis will require that the person see a doctor who can pinpoint the cause, thereby opening up possibilities for treatment. The easiest and quickest path to joint pain relief is often the RICE treatment; RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. This treatment will work for many of the less severe causes of joint pain, and if the RICE treatment does not work, the person suffering from joint pain will know it's time to look for a more aggressive treatment.
Arthritis, tendinitis, and injuries resulting from trauma or overuse are the most common causes of joint pain, so many of the joint pain relief techniques available will focus on treating these conditions. Arthritis, unfortunately, has no cure, so pain management is often the focus of treatment. Strengthening the joints through regular exercise and increasing the mobility of the joints are both methods to help prevent joint pain in the future and slow the degradation of the joints associated with arthritis. Topical ointments may help relieve some of the joint pain associated with arthritis as well, though this is only a temporary solution.
Tendinitis may be treated with anti-inflammatory medications, since this painful condition is the result of inflammation of the tendons that connect muscles to bones. In some cases, tendinitis may be treated with rest and light stretching, though more severe cases may require corrective surgery. Surgery is considered a last resort for gaining joint pain relief, as the surgery is invasive and infections are possible. The surgery may not completely address the issue either, so most doctors will only recommend it for people in extreme or chronic pain.
Athletes often seek joint pain relief from overuse injuries. The tendons, muscles, ligaments, and even the cartilage in the joints can be come strained or over-stressed if the joint is used in a way not normal for that person, or if it is simply used incorrectly. The RICE treatment is usually sufficient to address these issues, though the athlete may want to consider visiting a professional fitness trainer to change the way the athlete moves that particular joint. Repetitive movements can cause pain, but pain is more likely if a joint is not functioning properly during athletic activities. Baseball players, for example, may experience pain in the elbow or shoulders from throwing, which is very often caused by an unnatural movement of those joints.
