There are many reasons you may have stiff joints. Often it can be a singular one off occasion but it can be indicative of a more serious arthritic condition. Joint pain is something that can get steadily worse as we age and if you have any concern about joint pain you should immediately see a doctor. The treatment for stiff joints will vary from person to person.
The best thing to take for stiff joints is very personal, as each individual should have their own treatment plan to help manage the condition they are dealing with. Most stiff joint treatment includes a combination of drug and physical therapies such as:
Over the Counter Medications
You may initially choose to treat your condition with over the counter medications. You may find some relief in using Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and a doctor may prescribe a stronger alternative too.
Steroids
Steroid treatment can help to manage the inflammation and swelling caused by the joint stiffness. Corticosteroids can bring down inflammation quickly and when this happens the pain and stiffness around the joint decrease too.
Exercise
Following an exercise plan as prescribed by your doctor will only service to loosen the stiffness in the joints. One of the main issues that people with stiff joints have is that they think resting is the answer. Resting can cause your joints to seize up more and while it is tempting to be less active due to the pain, gentle exercise really can help.
There are also dietary changes and natural remedies you can consider such as adding fish oil supplements to your diet and using hot and cold compresses for a quick and satisfying reduction in pain and swelling. Finding the right combination of therapies for your particular condition is key to treating stiff joints. With the right professional help it should be possible to minimise pain and discomfort.
