The relief of pain in the joint after an unpleasant fall or another similar injury is usually accompanied by the use of appropriate analgesics that should be taken as prescribed by the doctor. However, there are cases when NSAIDs cannot be used for certain reasons. Since the 26-year-old patient denies the use of steroids because of the risk of developing gastritis, it is essential to find another way of correcting the situation and treating the consequences of trauma.
Optimal Pain-Relieving Medications
The use of NSAIDs is not possible for the reason indicated by the patient. As a rule, in such cases, when people face the problem of joint swelling due to some trauma, for example, a severe bruise, they are prescribed to take ibuprofen and aspirin. Nevertheless, the described case is an exception as, according to the patient, such preparations cause dangerous attacks of gastritis. Accordingly, the search for an optimal drug should take place without taking into account the drugs of this group.
As Feger, Goetschius, Love, Saliba, and Hertel (2015) note, one of the most successful and efficient methods for treating a bruised joint is electrical stimulation of the damaged area. The authors claim that such a therapy can help remove pain and return the mobility to a particular joint. However, it is quite possible to do without this type of treatment, using just a medicamentous approach. Certainly, it is difficult to do without pain-relieving medications. One of these drugs is acetaminophen since it does not belong to the group of NSAIDs and at the same time can be used as an anesthetic. Alternative medications based on this drug are Tylenol, Cetafen, Aspirin-Free Anacin, etc. Taking any of these preparations is required in the process of eating; these drugs are usually presented in the form of powders, which are diluted with liquidity. Since the patient is old enough, a recommended dose is five times a day.
Possible Side Effects
When taking any of the described medications, the patient can experience some of the side effects that these drugs cause. According to Byun and Chung (2015), “there is some evidence that application of ice and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs improves healing and speeds recovery” (p. 81). However, even such drugs can cause some unpleasant consequences. In particular, in case of an overdose, there may be the loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Moreover, quite often, increased fatigue can occur. It is significant to take any of the described medications only on the instructions of the doctor and not to exceed a daily limit.
Pros of the Young Age
Due to the fact that the patient’s age is quite young and is 26 years old, any of these drugs can be prescribed without any fear. Also, there are other benefits that a young and strong body provides. The fact is that older people have weaker bones and joints, and if a person of more mature age was found in a similar situation, it is likely that the matter would not end with stretching but with a dislocation or fracture. As Mailuhu, van Ochten, Bindels, Bierma-Zeinstra, and van Middelkoop (2015) remark, the age of patients directly affects the strength of their bone structure. Therefore, the described patient has a rather advantageous benefit due to his young age.
Conclusion
Thus, among the drugs that can be prescribed to the patient are Tylenol, Cetafen, Aspirin-Free Anacin, etc. Some side effects can occur in case of an overdose. Specific rules of taking these medications should be respected in order to avoid potential problems. The benefits of the patient’s young age are quite evident as young people have strong bones and joints.
References
Byun, C. H., & Chung, J. W. (2015). Diagnosis and treatment of acute ankle sprain. Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society, 19(3), 81-85.
Feger, M. A., Goetschius, J., Love, H., Saliba, S. A., & Hertel, J. (2015). Electrical stimulation as a treatment intervention to improve function, edema or pain following acute lateral ankle sprains: A systematic review. Physical Therapy in Sport, 16(4), 361-369.
Mailuhu, A. K. E., van Ochten, J. M., Bindels, P. J. E., Bierma-Zeinstra, S. M. A., & van Middelkoop, M. (2015). 3 Course and prognosis of acute lateral ankle sprains in general practice. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49, A1-A2.