DEEP RELIEF | Joint pain does not have to keep you on the couch. How Ibuprofen helps.

Joint pain is most often felt when the body is at rest, as opposed to muscle pain which is predominantly felt when the body is in motion. This is largely due to pain from the joints (used to bind bones together and protect them from knocks) caused by ageing of the body.

How do I know if it is bone or muscle pain?

It can be difficult to differentiate between bone and muscle pain as they affect similar parts of the body and the pain may also be similar in intensity. However, in general, bone pain feels sharper and deeper and is more debilitating than muscle pain.

Bone pain may also last longer than muscle pain and require greater medical attention. In contrast, muscle pain feels more generalised with its exact location difficult to pinpoint.

Some causes of joint pain:

  • Gout: – A buildup of uric acid in the blood – an accumulation of which leads to crystals in the joints resulting in pain and inflammation. 
  • Bursitis: – A result of the sac (bursa), that reduces friction and helps joints move, filling with lubricating fluid and becoming inflamed and irritated. 

 

  • Arthritis: – A condition that people are more likely to suffer from as their joints become gradually weaker as they get older.

Symptoms of a joint injury:

  • Gout: Characterised by sudden severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in one or more joints.
  • Bursitis: Symptoms associated with bursitis include stiff and swollen joints with telltale redness.
  • Arthritis: Symptoms can include swelling, pain in the joints as well as stiffness and may range from mild to severe.

Treatment:

It is important, and reassuring, to note that joint pain does not have to limit you. There are many oral and non-oral medications to help control the pain and inflammation – one of which being ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory.

Anti-inflammotaries work by decreasing the swelling, redness and pain associated with inflammation. Unfortunately, oral medication can often have negative effects unlike topical products that can be applied directly to the area of pain and not ingested.

Deep Relief contains both ibuprofen and menthol.  Ibuprofen decreases the inflammation whilst menthol brings about a cooling effect that will numb the pain and decrease the swelling.  It is highly effective as it is applied directly to the painful swollen joints.  Available in handy tubes, ensuring it is easily accessible should any joint pain flare up, Deep Relief can be purchased from most Clicks, Dis-Chem, Pick ‘n Pay, Shoprite and Checkers stores as well as online (https://shop.mentholatum.co.za/collections/deep-relief).

Article written by EPT – The Ultimate Sports Recovery Experts