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Suggest Treatment For Severe Joint Pain In The Wrists And Knees
Question: I have been having severe joint pain, especially in my wrists and knees. Haven't had medication changes, falls or other injuries. Tylenol and Tramadol don't help. I am wondering if there is any other pain management available until I see an Orthopedist in January.
I have a torn meniscus in left knee and arthritis as well so I can understand pain in that location but I had managed it well with exercise and only occasional Tylenol.
I have a torn meniscus in left knee and arthritis as well so I can understand pain in that location but I had managed it well with exercise and only occasional Tylenol.
Brief Answer:
Tricky.
Detailed Answer:
Different patterns of disease mean different things. The big divider in joint problems is whether it is an ALL OVER pattern or a FEW PLACES pattern. A few places almost always means it's just wear and tear and you try to do the best you can and see the orthopedist.
Joint Problems All over can mean an underlying disease. There are several categories of them:
A) not even related to the joints. Any inflammation makes all the joints hurt. Flu. Frankly, so far this year, urinary tract infection-UTI-is 10 times more common than flu for feeling like you have the flu. Also colds, any infection, even cancers (unlikely). OR near cancer diseases. I should care about this since I'm pretty well guaranteed to have it. Mom had blood cancer (myeloma)and dad had polymyalgia. Either of which 1) increase blood cells involved with inflammation and make you feel inflamed all over in the joints and very very tired 2) can do this and 3) are very very treatable and 4) probably will NOT shorten life expectancy.
B) overall inflammatory joint disease. Lupus, rheumatoid, other auto immune disease.
c) disorders of minerals .. too much or too little calcium.
so, these are diseases that have to be checked and treated and the pain goes away if they are.
Then, if it is JUST a bunch of sore joints, it gets tricky because all the medicines have real risks and the risks are too much to risk in some people with some other diseases. Aspirin like drugs might slightly increase risk for heart attack or stroke BUT in someone with heart disease or kidney trouble they are pretty guaranteed to cause problems. Otherwise they'd be my top choice in inflammation.
Steroids are stronger but have risks of triggering diabetes and also lower immunity a bit and eventually wear out the bones and muscles. Narcotics have other risks. Nerve pills are great for nerve pain, but lousy for joint pain. Tramadol is a nerve pain pill basically.
Physical modalities are risk free and often help. Chiropracty, warm wax baths, physical therapy, etc.
Tricky.
Detailed Answer:
Different patterns of disease mean different things. The big divider in joint problems is whether it is an ALL OVER pattern or a FEW PLACES pattern. A few places almost always means it's just wear and tear and you try to do the best you can and see the orthopedist.
Joint Problems All over can mean an underlying disease. There are several categories of them:
A) not even related to the joints. Any inflammation makes all the joints hurt. Flu. Frankly, so far this year, urinary tract infection-UTI-is 10 times more common than flu for feeling like you have the flu. Also colds, any infection, even cancers (unlikely). OR near cancer diseases. I should care about this since I'm pretty well guaranteed to have it. Mom had blood cancer (myeloma)and dad had polymyalgia. Either of which 1) increase blood cells involved with inflammation and make you feel inflamed all over in the joints and very very tired 2) can do this and 3) are very very treatable and 4) probably will NOT shorten life expectancy.
B) overall inflammatory joint disease. Lupus, rheumatoid, other auto immune disease.
c) disorders of minerals .. too much or too little calcium.
so, these are diseases that have to be checked and treated and the pain goes away if they are.
Then, if it is JUST a bunch of sore joints, it gets tricky because all the medicines have real risks and the risks are too much to risk in some people with some other diseases. Aspirin like drugs might slightly increase risk for heart attack or stroke BUT in someone with heart disease or kidney trouble they are pretty guaranteed to cause problems. Otherwise they'd be my top choice in inflammation.
Steroids are stronger but have risks of triggering diabetes and also lower immunity a bit and eventually wear out the bones and muscles. Narcotics have other risks. Nerve pills are great for nerve pain, but lousy for joint pain. Tramadol is a nerve pain pill basically.
Physical modalities are risk free and often help. Chiropracty, warm wax baths, physical therapy, etc.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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