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Any joint in your body can be affected by joint pain, but back and knee pain are the most common. Whether your joint pain is mildly annoying or is getting in the way of your daily activities, this article will help with information on ways to manage it.

What's causing your joint pain?

Joint pain can be caused by many different injuries or conditions. It can be a problem with one or more of the different structures in or around the joint. These include the lining of the joint, bones in or near the joint, the tendons, ligaments and muscles around the joint. Joint pain may also be caused by pain felt along the course of a nerve. This is called ‘referred pain’

Joint pain can be affected by lack of exercise or activity. Other factors that may increase the risk of having joint pains or problems include ageing, being overweight which puts more strain on our joints, having a long-term condition such as arthritis or having more than one condition.

Four tips for joint pain relief

When your joints are aching, here are some tips that might help to relieve your pain:

Pay the PRICE:

A commonly advised home treatment for sprain or strain injuries in the first 48 to 72 hours is called “PRICE” which stands for:

Protect – avoid further injury by protecting the joint with support.

Rest the joint for 48 to 72 hours. Avoid moving your joint in ways that worsen the pain.

Ice should be applied as soon as possible after injury, for 15 – 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours during the day for the first 2 to 3 days. You can make an ice pack by wrapping ice cubes in a plastic bag and a towel. Avoid putting ice directly onto the skin.

Compression with a bandage will limit swelling and help to rest the joint. A compression or elastic bandage can be used but should not be too tight – you’ll want to feel mild pressure that is not uncomfortable and doesn’t stop blood flow. Remove the bandage before sleeping.

Elevate the joint to limit swelling. For example if your leg is injured keep it elevated on a chair or you can use a sling if your arm is injured.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle:

Maintain a healthy weight or reduce weight if you are overweight. People who are overweight are more likely to experience hip or knee pain. Obesity directly damages weight bearing joints such as knees and hips caused by the increased weight they must carry. Staying active with regular physical activity, can reduce your risk of joint pain.

Ease/Relieve the pain:

taking a pain reliever like ibuprofen can help provide relief from joint pain and bring down swelling. Pain-relieving gels such as Nurofen, which contains ibuprofen, may also provide some relief, particularly for minor injuries such as sprains and strains. Refer to pharmacist or HCP, most sprains can be treated without seeing a GP.

See your doctor:

if your joint pain is accompanied by swelling and feels hot or you have a fever (high temperature) and feel generally unwell, you need to make an urgent appointment to see a doctor.

It’s also a good idea to see your doctor if your joint pain is stopping you from doing your normal activities, including sleeping, or if the pain is getting worse, keeps coming back, hasn’t improved after 2 weeks of home treatment or your joints are stiff for more than 30 minutes after you wake up.

Seek immediate medical care if you have very bad joint pain as a result of an injury, if you have tingling or no feeling in the area around the injury, your joint has moved out of place or are unable to put weight on the joint.

This article is for general information only and not intended as a substitute for medical advice. All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health related matters, always consult your healthcare professional.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. Incorrect use could be harmful. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare professional.

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