There are a number of treatments for inflammation pain; the appropriate type often depends on the root cause of the problem. Some of the most common include cold therapy to restrict inflammation, rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids. There is some evidence to suggest that food can play a role in inflammation pain, so treatment may involve a dietary change. Reducing a person’s intake of food high in saturated fats and sugar, for example, may lower inflammation pain levels.
One of the most effective ways to treat acute inflammation pain, such as the pain brought on by a muscle injury, is cold therapy. When cooled, blood vessels narrow, which in turn reduces blood flow and inflammation. Pain is also reduced by cold therapy, as the area becomes numbed. Applying heat to an area of inflammation usually has the opposite effect. If, however, the pain is caused by cramps, heat therapy may be more appropriate because it can relax the muscle.
In some cases, inflammation pain is caused by an acute injury. If, for example, a person has strained a muscle in the thigh, this can result in tenderness, pain, and inflammation. The best treatment for this sort of pain is rest because the body needs time to heal. Once the initial pain has subsided, light stretching and exercise can help aid recovery. A physiotherapist should always be consulted about this sort of injury; additional treatment may be required if a full rupture has occurred.
Minor inflammation pain is often treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs stop the body from producing chemicals which cause inflammation. An example of an NSAID is ibuprofen. NSAIDs are well tolerated by most people, but have the potential to cause side effects if taken over a long period of time. If inflammation is more severe, steroidal drugs such as cortisone may be prescribed, although these have the potential to cause more severe side effects.
There are certain foods which are thought to increase inflammation in the body and should be avoided. Junk food, for example, which contains a lot of sugar and saturated fat, may increase inflammation and joint pain. Carbonated beverages with high sugar content could have a similar effect. Eating foods which are high in Omega 3 fatty acids, on the other hand, could help to reduce inflammation and lower pain levels. Oily fish contains high amounts of Omega 3, as do walnuts and flax seeds.
