When to see a doctor

Joint pain is rarely an emergency. Most cases of mild joint pain can be successfully managed at home.

Make an appointment with your doctor if your joint pain is accompanied by:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Tenderness and warmth around the joint

See a doctor immediately if your joint pain is caused by an injury and is accompanied by:

• Joint deformity
• Inability to use the joint
• Intense pain
• Sudden swelling

Self-care

When caring for mild joint pain at home, follow these tips:

• Try an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve).
• Avoid using your joint in ways that cause or worsen pain.
• Apply ice or a package of frozen peas to your painful joint for 15 to 20 minutes a few times each day.
• Apply a heating pad, soak in a warm tub or take a warm shower to relax muscles and increase circulation.