Treatment Aims

Treatment aims at reducing joint pain and inflammation. It also focuses on improving and maintaining joint function.

Depending upon the intensity of pain, some patients benefit from conservative measures such as exercise, rest and diet management. Others make use of occupational and physical therapy and use mechanical support devices. These measures are particularly useful in managing pain in the large weight-bearing joints like the hip and the knee.

Medicines

Most medications are anti-inflammatory and aim at reducing pain. Patients may take the medicine orally or apply them topically. Sometimes an injection in the joints helps.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) consist of medicines like Ibuprofen and aspirin that help reduce pain and inflammation. But many of them cause intestinal distress when used for long periods. Steroidal injections quickly reduce pain and inflammation but can harm the tissues and the bones.

In case of severe pain that does not respond to exercise or medication, a series of injections of hyaluronic acid into the joints may be helpful. These products work for a limited span of time by restoring the thickness of the joint fluid. Thus there is enough lubrication between the joints – at least for a while.

Depending on any drug for long-term relief is not practical or advisable. When conservative measures are unsuccessful in managing pain and maintaining mobility, doctors consider surgery.

Therapeutic Exercise

A person suffering from pain should perform exercise at a level that avoids pain. In that case, exercise will not aggravate the problem. In fact, exercise can help in many ways:

• It strengthens the muscles around the joints
• It maintains and improves mobility
• Helps overweight people lose weight, and
• Promotes endurance

The most popular exercises are swimming, walking and light weight training. In most people, even a modest reduction in weight can dramatically reduce symptoms.

Accessories

Physical therapists provide devices like braces, canes, splints and walkers to reduce stress on the joints. Warm water soaks, paraffin wax drops and nighttime cotton gloves ease symptoms in the hand. A firm mattress, neck collar or a lumbar corset can reduce the tension in the spine.

Alternative (natural) Treatments

A national survey reported that in recent years more than 45% of people suffering from oosteoarthritis turned to alternative therapy for support and management of symptoms. Some of the most common treatments include Acupuncture and Acupressure, Magnet Therapy, therapeutic massage and Diet Therapy.

Food Supplements

Some studies suggest that natural food supplements like glucosamine, methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM) and chondroitin can relieve the pain and stiffness felt by persons with osteoartritus. Pharmacies and health food stores supply these products over the counter. You do not need a prescription for these.

Flax seed oil is another food supplement that produces essential omega-3 fatty acids and thus reduces inflammation.

There is very little proof regarding the effectiveness of these substances. However, Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT) is conducting tests to ascertain the effects of food supplements on patients suffering from osteoarthritis in the knee.

Self-Help Measures

There are certain things every person can do at home. Warm showers and baths – especially whirlpool baths – often help reduce pain and stiffness. Warm wet compresses like castor oil compress comfort sore joints.

Additionally, plenty of support centers and web sites offer intelligent and practical advice to people suffering from this condition. Certain publications like “Mayo Clinic on Arthritis” suggest more treatment methods that make the life of a patient with soteoarthritis as normal as possible. Most of these resources use pictures and adequate explanation to better equip you.

In the future, prevention of osteoarthritis may become possible. At the very least, we may have a remedy that helps grow back the lost cartilage. However, till this happens a patient’s best bet is to take immediate steps to contain damage. Regular weight control, exercise and symptom management will help him or her lead a near-normal life.