Nonsurgical Treatments for Pain and Swelling Recommended by an Orthopedic Doctor

If you have joint pain and swelling, or chronic pain in a bone or muscle, an orthopedist is your best type of specialist to see in order to have it successfully treated in the most minimally invasive way possible. The physician can explain your nonsurgical options as well as your surgical options as appropriate.

Let’s talk about some of the more conservative, non-surgical treatments that your orthopedic doctor may recommend to treat your pain and swelling, and where you can go for an expert evaluation and treatment that works for you.

Prescription Pain Medication

Several classes of medications are useful to treat orthopedic conditions. You have likely already tried taking over-the-counter pain-relief medicine, but this may not be strong enough to alleviate the pain. Your orthopedic doctor may prescribe medication to be taken as necessary to quell your pain and reduce the swelling.

Exercise to Relieve Pain

Exercise helps to improve blood circulation throughout the body. Your cells, thereby receive a sufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients to facilitate healing and relieve pain.

Targeted exercises are useful in mitigating pain and swelling in a joint, encouraging flexibility of the tendons, ligaments, and muscles in the area. This also bolsters strength, which enables your adjacent muscles to provide better joint support.

However, be careful with the exercises you do. Excessive exertion or improper form can worsen your condition, so consult with your orthopedic doctor before beginning an exercise plan.

Pain-Relief Injection Treatments

Your orthopedic doctor can administer pain-relief treatment directly into the painful area for immediate and long-lasting relief from your pain. This may consist of corticosteroids, numbing anesthetics, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), or hyaluronic acid treatment. Talk to your orthopedist about which one might work best in your case.

Physical Therapy to Alleviate Pain and Swelling

If your orthopedic doctor recommended that you try simple exercises and stretches to reduce your joint pain and swelling, but the exercises did not work or are no longer working, your orthopedist may recommend physical therapy. A physical therapist knows how to understand your specific point of pain and how to show you gentle, simple exercises that can foster circulation, strength, and flexibility to the area. This can help you to enjoy much less pain and no more swelling.

Board-Certified Orthopedic Doctor in Little Rock, Arkansas

Many different nonsurgical options can help you to control pain, swelling, and inflammation due to orthopedic conditions. If you have chronic pain in your knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, back, or anywhere throughout the musculoskeletal system, see an experienced orthopedic doctor determine the best treatment possible to get you back to enjoying life again.

Here in Little Rock, Dr. William Hefley is devoted to providing patient-centered orthopedic care to people of virtually all ages and for all reasons, from age-related arthritis to sports injuries. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hefley, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (800) 336-2412 or by filling out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to serving you!