Joint & muscle pain
JOINT & MUSCLE PAIN
Jonathan, a 65-year-old male has hurt his ankle.
Watch the video to learn more about joint and muscle pain and what sort of specific questions you could ask to find out more about his condition, to help manage his pain effectively.
CUSTOMER SUMMARY
Jonathan has mild to moderate pain due to a sprained, swollen ankle
He is struggling to put weight on the foot and it is slightly affecting his mobility
He has tried SolpaOne today but it hasn’t alleviated the pain.
JONATHAN’S OTC ANALGESIC TREATMENT OPTIONS
Jonathan's treatment
Jonathan has tried effervescent SolpaOne® which gets to work up to 2x faster than regular paracetamol tablets.* Ibuprofen should not be taken in the first 48 hours after his injury.7 After this time, ibuprofen can help reduce swelling. If ibuprofen does not provide sufficient pain relief, other combination options or alternative treatments can be considered.5
*Based on absorption data
HOLISTIC PAIN MANAGEMENT ADVICE:
Joint and muscle pain can be managed with some holistic solutions alongside analgesics.
For example:7,8
Topical formulations containing diclofenac or ibuprofen may be used instead of oral formulations. Such gels or patches may be combined with paracetamol or codeine only (not oral ibuprofen). The massage action of applying a gel may help to ease pain in joints and muscles
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machines can provide symptomatic relief from pain9
‘Hot and cold’ therapy can be useful depending on the type of injury. Heat can help muscles to relax,10 however as Jonathan has joint pain (sprains and strains), it should be avoided for a few days in this case to help prevent swelling.8 Cold therapy can be recommended to reduce inflammation and swelling10
If activity causes pain, then try to rest a sore joint if possible. However, if Jonathan can move the area without pain he should try to maintain gentle levels of movement.8 Seeking support from a physiotherapist may also benefit his symptoms
Exercise should be reintroduced gradually as the pain subsides and ankle strengthening exercises can be used to prevent recurrence.
Jonathan should be advised to see his GP if pain persists for more than two weeks or keeps coming back
Jonathan could consider seeing a physiotherapist to support with recovery
If conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis are suspected, this must be diagnosed by a GP or specialist
Jonathan should be advised to seek medical advice if:
The joint is very painful, swollen, or has changed shape
He has a very high temperature or feel feverish.
