Muscle and Joint Pain
Struggling with muscle or joint pain and need guidance right away? Chat with one of our licensed clinicians about a personalized treatment plan. If a prescription is right for you, quick relief will be on its way right to your door.
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About Strains and Sprains
Musculoskeletal sprains and strains may sound like complicated terms, but they are common issues that can affect anyone, causing discomfort in the muscles and joints. These common injuries may sound daunting, but with the right knowledge and care, recovery is within reach.
The good news is that MedBox can make it easier for you to manage these minor setbacks and navigate through the pain.
What are the Differences between Strains & Sprains?
- Sprains occur when ligaments, the tissues connecting bones, get injured due to excessive force or overstretching.
- Strains happen when muscles stretch beyond their limits or contract too intensely, causing discomfort and pain.
Other common sports injuries include bursitis, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, tennis elbow and tendonitis. These injuries often result from trauma, sports, exercise or overuse, such as with repetitive motions.
How can I treat Strains & Sprains?
Life happens, and so do injuries. That's where RICE comes in – no, not the grain, but Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. These steps are your primary line of defense in those crucial first hours post-injury.
Consider these simple measures:
- Avoid heat, exercise, massage, or alcohol during this period.
- After two days, when the swelling subsides, a commercial heat pack can help ease pain and stiffness.
- Massage and physiotherapy are also excellent options for targeted relief.
Discover relief with these medication choices designed to effectively alleviate your symptoms:
What it does:
Relieves general aches and pains during rehab and recovery.
Medications in this class:
Methyl Salicylate, Menthol, Camphor, Capsaicin, Diclofenac, and Ketoprofen.
Pros:
- Useful when undergoing physiotherapy or massage therapy.
- Good for cases where oral medications are considered risky.
Cons:
- Tends to have limited effectiveness.
- Can cause skin reactions such as rash, blisters or more rarely, severe burns.
What it does:
Reduces pain, swelling and inflammation, the root cause of pain due to injury.
Medications in this class:
Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac, Celecoxib, and Mefenamic Acid.
Pros:
- Quick solution for acute pain.
- Long term chronic pain relief.
Cons:
- Not suitable for long-term use.
- Can cause stomach pain and heartburn, liver disease and kidney and bleeding issues in some people that have certain medical conditions.
What it does:
Reduces pain sensations but not swelling.
Medications in this class:
Acetaminophen.
Pros:
- Good for short and long term pain.
- Good for cases where NSAIDs should be avoided.
Cons:
- Not effective for inflammation.
- Not suitable in cases where there are liver issues or alcoholism.
What it does:
Helps reduce stiffness and pain from muscle spasms.
Medications in this class:
Baclofen, Cyclobenzaprine, and Methocarbamol.
Pros:
- Maybe helpful in limited cases where muscle spasms are present.
Cons:
- Usually not an effective pain reliever.
- Can cause drowsiness, dizziness and disorientation.
What it does:
Local injection of corticosteroids can help with pain in certain conditions such as tendonitis.
Medications in this class:
Hydrocortisone and Methylprednisolone.
Pros:
- Helpful when other treatments have failed.
Cons:
- Limited effectiveness.
- Increases risk of muscle wasting, tendon rupture and osteoporosis.
- May cause flare up of pain and swelling, infection, and nerve damage.
The information here has been written and reviewed by a licensed pharmacist. This summary is a only a very brief synopsis of treatment options and does not address all complexities that may be involved in determining appropriate therapy. It is meant as a guide for you to explore your treatment preferences in advance of speaking with your health professional. Information here may be incomplete or not applicable to you. Other options may be available depending on the presentation of diagnosis of the illness. This is not meant to be interpreted as medical advice. Medical advice can only be given directly by your health care clinician. Contact us for more details.
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