1. Take the Pain Quiz
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis Joint-Friendly Exercises Slideshow
3. Slideshow: Osteoarthritis - Exercises for OA of the Knee

Medical Author:

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Dr. Ben Wedro practices emergency medicine at Gundersen Clinic, a regional trauma center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His background includes undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Alberta, a Family Practice internship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Pain should be a signal to a runner that a problem exists and often signals an overuse situation. Rest, ice, and appropriate use of over-the-counter antiinflammatory medications (ibuprofen [Advil, Advil Childrens, Advil Junior Strength, Advil Liquigel, Advil Migraine, Childrens Ibuprofen Berry, Genpril, IBU-200, Midol IB, Midol Maximum Strength Cramp Formula, Motrin, Motrin Childrens, Motrin IB, Motrin Infant Drops, Motrin Junior Strength, Motrin Migraine Pain, Nuprin], naproxen [Aleve, Aleve Caplet, Aleve Easy Open Arthritis, Aleve Gelcap, Anaprox, Anaprox-DS, Comfort Pac with Naproxen, EC-Naprosyn, Leader Naproxen Sodium, Midol Extended Relief, Naprelan '375', Naprelan '500', Naprosyn]) may be adequate therapy to return the patient to their previous activity level. The pain should also be a signal that perhaps a biomechanical problem exists that may lead to future injuries.

If this conservative home treatment fails to completely resolve symptoms, if the symptoms worsen, or if the symptoms occur with decreasing amounts of activity, it may be time to be seen by a health-care provider for further evaluation and treatment.

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