popular supplements for joint pain, because of a lack of evidence that they actually work.
3. Modify your activities
If you are suffering from arthritic pain, you can also modify your activities. If the trouble is a knee or hip joint, try bicycling instead of running, the doctor suggests.
Use a cane to lighten the load on a sore hip, knee or ankle joint. A type of knee brace worn outside of clothes can shift the load to the healthier side of the knee joint, Sanchez-Sotelo advises.
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4. Try over-the-counter medications (with caution)
Consider over-the-counter medications — including acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) — for persistent pain. However, use these with caution because they can lead to ulcers, and kidney or heart issues, Sanchez-Sotelo warns.
If your pain persists, you could consider injections into the affected joint with cortisone or Toradol (ketorolac) to relieve the pain. In addition, hyaluronic acid can help lubricate joints when injected, especially in the knee.
Although many people choose injections with stem cells and platelet-rich plasma, referred to as “regenerative medicine,” they are experimental without firm evidence that they work, he adds.
But the good news is you don’t have to suffer in silence.
“In the past, older people just accepted joint pain,” Sanchez-Sotelo said in a Mayo Clinic news release. “Now people are living longer and want to remain active as they age. We are not all destined for joint replacement. There are some people in their 80s and 90s who have great joints.”
When being active, remember to give your joints time to rest. Movements that put repetitive stress on your knees can increase your risk of developing a knee problem. If you notice that your knee has become swollen, contact your doctor. This can indicate damaged cartilage.