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Anti-Inflammatory Treatments

People often suffer from inflammation in their muscles and joints. Inflammation and swelling are usually caused by overusing the muscles or joints during heavy lifting or repetitive motion. The body reacts by stimulating certain enzymes and chemicals after an injury, which causes inflammation. Anti-inflammatory treatments can include topical applications, medicine and supplements.

  1. Effects or Rest and Ice

    • Doctors usually recommend rest and ice for muscle and joint pain. Rest prevents any further activity that can exacerbate the inflammation. Ice promotes vasoconstriction, which limits the amount of blood and body fluids in the area. This alleviates both pain and swelling. Ice is most effective when it is compressed against the injured area. Ice packs are popular with respect to compression as they can be wrapped around the affected area. Elevating an injured joint or muscle while applying ice also reduces inflammation.

    Types of Medical Treatments

    • Medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen can provide temporary relief for inflammation. These medications are NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Ibuprofen and naproxen help inhibit the release of cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), an enzyme that stimulates the production of chemicals called prostaglandins. These two substances are naturally released by the body in response to injuries. Topical ointments such as BenGay can also relieve inflammation in the muscles and joints. For more serious injuries or pain, steroid medications may be prescribed for relieving inflammation.

    Types of Foods and Supplements

    • Vitamins A and C are antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties. People can load up on these vitamins through supplementation or by eating lots of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are known stimulators of phagocytosis, which helps white blood cells clean the blood and get rid of unhealthy red blood cells. Unhealthy red blood cells often contain toxins and parasites believed by some to cause inflammation. Glucosamine and chondroitin can be highly effective in reducing inflammation and swelling. Omega-3 fatty acids can help lubricate the joints and reduce inflammation. St. John's Wort, MSM, Bioflavinoids (plant compounds) and ginger are also known to block Cox-2 enzymes and relieve joint and muscle pain and inflammation.

    Time Frame

    • There is no set time frame for curing inflammation in the muscles and joints. More serious cases of inflammation pain and will normally take longer to heal. However, a combination of rest, ice, medication and supplements can shorten the healing process.

    Warning

    • According to Drugs.com, the largest online drug information center, taking ibuprofen or other NSAIDs, "can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use an NSAID." These anti-inflammatory medications can also cause perforations in the lining of the stomach and intestines. This can cause internal bleeding that can sometimes lead to death. It is always best to consult with a doctor before going on any prolonged anti-inflammatory treatment.

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