The first step is to treat the underlying bacterial infection -- so please ensure you seek the advice of a trained health care professional to do this. To palliate symptoms in chronic joint pain, typically a combination of hot and cold is used to increase circulation to the joint, and help the body eliminate. A simple rule is 3 minutes hot/30 sec. cold (compresses) to the area, three times. (Repeat this sequence at least twice a day when the pain is most difficult. There are some herbal anti-inflammatories and homeopathic medicines which may be helpful, along with some topical essential oils and combination herbal/homeopathic gels.
answered by Dr K B N