Not All Painkillers Are Safe: Orthopaedic Guide To Pain Management

Quick Takeaways

• Painkillers are not always safe; misuse can harm your body.
• Treating the root cause is more effective than masking pain.
• Non-drug therapies and guided rehabilitation can reduce pain safely.
• Expert orthopaedic evaluation ensures proper, personalised pain management.

One of the most frequent causes of patients seeking the attention of an orthopaedic doctor is pain. In case of arthritis, injury, or post-surgery recovery, pain management is essential in terms of mobility and quality of life.

Not every painkiller is, however, safe. Pain can be addressed in the form of over-the-counter or prescription drugs, yet when abused or overused, severe side effects occur.

Why Pain Management Matters

Pain should not be ignored, as it can aggravate the injuries, retard recovery, and decrease daily activity. Conversely, taking only medication without being aware of its risks may damage your organs, stomach or liver. Proper pain management minimises pain and maximises health in the long term.

Common Painkillers and Their Risks

NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)

• Examples: Ibuprofen, Naproxen
• Advantages: pain and inflammation.
• Risks: Ulcers of the stomach, renal issues, and high blood pressure.

Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)

• Pros: Indicated to treat mild to moderate pain.
• Risks: Liver damage may occur due to overdose.

Opioids

• Advantages: Excellent analgesic in case of serious injuries or after surgery.
• Side effects: Addiction, drowsiness, constipation, and respiratory problems.

Topical Analgesics

• Pros: Can be applied to the area where pain occurs, with few side effects systemically.
• Contraindications: Skin irritation, decreased effectiveness in deep joint pain.

Pain-Driven Insight

Millions of patients use over-the-counter drugs for weeks or months. Disregard of the safe dose and possible interactions may cause severe health complications, slow healing, and even hospitalisation.

Self-medication can also help in eliminating temporary pain, but it conceals the issue. The source, rather than the symptom, has to be treated to achieve true recovery.

Safer Alternatives and Strategies

• Physical therapy: Strengthens muscles, reduces strain, and alleviates joint pain
• Exercise: Low-impact routines improve mobility and reduce stiffness
• Ergonomics: Proper posture at work and home decreases chronic pain
• Hot and cold therapy: Reduces inflammation and improves circulation
• Guided rehabilitation programs: Tailored exercises for post-surgery or injury

Expert Orthopaedic Guidance

Safe and effective pain management is achieved by consulting an orthopaedic specialist. Through his 44 years of experience, Rajesh Malhotra assesses you and examines your condition critically. He determines the source of pain and prescribes individual treatment plans.

Patients benefit from:

• Expert assessment to find the source of pain
• Customised medication plans minimise risks
• Non-surgical therapies, when appropriate
• Advanced surgical options for severe cases

Dr Malhotra combines modern orthopaedic techniques with patient-focused care, ensuring safe pain relief and faster recovery.

Modern Approaches to Pain Management

• Minimally invasive procedures: Treat joint pain with minimal trauma
• Targeted injections: Corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid for joint inflammation
• Robotic-assisted surgery: Precise correction reduces post-operative pain
• Comprehensive rehabilitation programs: Strengthen and stabilise joints for long-term relief

These approaches reduce reliance on painkillers while improving function and quality of life.

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The Bottom Line

Safe and effective pain management is a balance of treatment, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Ignoring pain or misusing medications can harm your health and delay recovery.

Take Action Today

If you experience joint, muscle, or post-surgery pain, don’t rely solely on over-the-counter medicines. Dr. Rajesh Malhotra provides expert evaluation, personalised treatment plans, and modern pain management strategies.