Joint pain and muscle pain is a problem that is often experienced by everyone when doing activities. There are various choices of drugs that are effective in dealing with joint pain. These drugs can be in the form of oral drugs, injection drugs, to the ointment.
Standing too long, jumping, lifting heavy weights, overexercising, and injury are some of the causes of joint or muscle pain. Certain medical conditions such as osteoarthritis, gout, or rheumatoid arthritis can also cause joint and muscle pain. In Indonesia, people generally use hot balm to treat joint pain and muscle pain. They believe that the hotter the balm, the more effective and faster it will get rid of joint pain. Hot balms or hot compresses do give a warm effect and feel good when applied to the painful area. Some experts even suggest an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel to further help in pain relief. However, actually these methods only reduce and provide instant comfort, but do not overcome the inflammation that causes pain in your joints and muscles.
Here are some drug options that you can use to treat joint pain:
Drinking Medicine (Tablet, pills)
- Paracetamol is effective for relieving mild joint pain without swelling. Not only joint pain, paracetamol is also used to treat mild and moderate pain such as headaches, menstrual cramps, toothache, back pain, osteoarthritis, and even to relieve fever.
- Joint pain medications belonging to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium can also be used to treat moderate to severe joint pain. Use only when sick or as directed by a doctor. Because NSAIDs can also have side effects, such as gastritis (ulcer) and potentially increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. The new NSAID class of drugs known as Cox-2 inhibitor also good for pain relief with minimal side effects.
- Stronger opioid medications may be prescribed by your doctor if you have severe joint pain. The use of this drug should be given under the supervision of a doctor, because it can cause nausea, loss of consciousness, addiction and dependence.
- Drugs used to treat muscle cramps can be given together with NSAIDs to increase the effect of relieving the pain experienced.
Topical Drugs or Oils (Cream or Gel)
- Capsaicin
Topical (usually in the form of a cream) containing capsaicin can be used to reduce joint pain caused by arthritis and other conditions. Capsaicin helps send pain signals that trigger the release of endorphins (the body's chemicals that suppress pain). However, capsaicin cream can cause a stinging or stinging sensation in the area that is smeared with this cream.
- Diclofenac sodium
Topical medication containing diclofenac sodium is an effective, safe and effective drug to relieve joint pain. Diclofenac sodium belongs to a group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that work by stopping the production of substances that cause pain and inflammation. In addition to working as painkillers, NSAIDs such as sodium diclofenac also have other effects such as fever reducer and anti-inflammatory. Apply diclofenac sodium gel on the painful areas of the skin to relieve aches or pains in joints, such as knees, ankles, feet, elbows, wrists, and hands. Unlike capsaicin cream which causes a burning sensation, diclofenac sodium gel treats joint pain but still feels comfortable on the skin. Topical drugs containing diclofenac sodium are also safe to use because they have minimal side effects, such as local irritation of the skin (dry skin or contact dermatitis). However, even these side effects usually occur with long-term use of diclofenac sodium gel.
If joint pain is felt in many parts of the body, oral diclofenac sodium can be used. Consult a doctor if you have a history of certain diseases or medical conditions, such as having a history of heart disease, heart surgery, stomach ulcers, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, drug allergies, smoking, and asthma. Pregnant women and those taking blood thinning drugs (anticoagulants) are also advised to consult a doctor before using this drug. Children and adolescents under the age of 18 are not advised to use this drug.
What you need to understand is that these drugs are only used to treat pain and not the underlying cause. For people with arthritis, joint disease, or tendinitis who often experience joint pain, the doctor will give corticosteroid drugs in the form of injections directly into the joints. In some cases, the doctor will also suggest surgery to remove fluid in the joint or joint replacement. If you experience side effects from using the above medicines or experience irritation after using joint pain relief creams or gels, see your doctor immediately for further treatment.