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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Painful Joints?

Good evening. My name is Curtis Jenkins. I am a 59 year old male. I started experiencing jaw (joint) pain, including general soreness and a painful popping at the joint when I chew, two days ago and as it happened, I was scheduled for a dental cleaning/checkup today. My dentist took a couple of x-rays to make sure there wasn't an abscess involving the wisdom tooth or one of the others in that area. He felt both sides of my jaw while I opened and closed my mouth and he could feel the pop very well. He felt that it is the meniscus or cartilage having a "wrinkle" or "bump" in it the way a rug on the floor might sometimes when disturbed and that it is inflammation related. He prescribed a Medrol Dosepak (4 mg). I was just checking drugs.com and other internet sources before taking it and read that it should not be taken if you have a fungal infection anywhere in your body. I do have toenail fungus infection. So should I hold off on taking this apparently minimum dose of Medrol due to this? (I read one place that you shouldn't take it except by injection to an affected joint if you have a fungal infection.) (The only other prescription I take is Tribenzor for my well-controlled hypertension. I also take some OTC supplements: Niacin, Cinnamon, Garlic, Krill Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Resveratrol, and Artichoke Extract. I have slightly elevated lipid levels and I am trying these before taking Lipitor which my doctor has mentioned.) Thank you. Curtis Jenkins
Tue, 30 Dec 2014
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi
Thank you for asking HCM
I have gone through your query.Your problem is most likely due to temperomandibular dysfunction.It can last for months to years when it occurs.It can be managed by NSAIDs like naproxen or diclofenac for short duration.Physiotherapy and exercises also helps.Medrol is methylprednisolone.It is given for short duration which doesn't cause much side effects.But can cause flare up of fungal infection or increase of BP.In such case you can avoid and ask your doctor for Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs.Muscle relaxants also helpful if the discomfort is much.Avoid chewing hard food stuffs.Make it into soft and eat.You can also have soft food items which doesn't have to chew more.Also keep your tooth apart with out closing which give relaxation for the joint.You can apply moist heat or cold packs.A splint or night guard can also be used during night.These all helps in faster recovery.Hope this may help you.
Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.
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What Causes Painful Joints?

Hi Thank you for asking HCM I have gone through your query.Your problem is most likely due to temperomandibular dysfunction.It can last for months to years when it occurs.It can be managed by NSAIDs like naproxen or diclofenac for short duration.Physiotherapy and exercises also helps.Medrol is methylprednisolone.It is given for short duration which doesn t cause much side effects.But can cause flare up of fungal infection or increase of BP.In such case you can avoid and ask your doctor for Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs.Muscle relaxants also helpful if the discomfort is much.Avoid chewing hard food stuffs.Make it into soft and eat.You can also have soft food items which doesn t have to chew more.Also keep your tooth apart with out closing which give relaxation for the joint.You can apply moist heat or cold packs.A splint or night guard can also be used during night.These all helps in faster recovery.Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear. Thanks.