With this treatment, a low electrical current is used to heat and destroy some of the nerves in your knees, blocking the pain. If you have osteoarthritis in your knees but you’re not suitable for knee replacement surgery, you may be able to have an operation called an osteotomy. This involves your surgeon adding or removing a small section of bone either above or below your knee joint. Capsaicin cream works by blocking the nerves that send pain messages in the treated area. You should experience some pain relief within the first 2 weeks of using the cream, but it may take up to a month for the treatment to be fully effective.
Surgery for osteoarthritis is only needed in a small number of cases where other treatments haven’t been effective or where your daily life is seriously affected. Some people with osteoarthritis may be offered steroid injections when other treatments haven’t worked. You may be prescribed capsaicin cream if you have osteoarthritis in your hands or knees and topical NSAIDs have not been effective in easing your pain.
When it comes to managing osteoarthritis, finding the right tablet can make a significant difference in easing your symptoms and improving your overall quality of life. But with so many options available on the market, how do you know which tablet is the best for treating osteoarthritis?
A 2019 study published in The Lancet found that a six-week course of low-dose prednisolone reduced finger pain and local joint inflammation in those with painful hand OA. Topical analgesics are creams, ointments, gels, and other products that contain pain medication. They work by blocking pain signals to the brain or by interfering with how the brain interprets pain signals.
Factors to Consider
Before choosing a tablet for osteoarthritis, it’s important to consider a few key factors. Firstly, **the severity** of your symptoms will play a role in determining which tablet is best suited for you. Additionally, **your overall health**, any existing medical conditions you may have, and **the potential side effects** of the tablet are all important considerations.
There’s currently no cure for OA, but medications can help you manage your condition. They can be combined with other treatments that aren’t habit-forming and sedating. They’re alternatives to oral or injectable drugs used to treat OA. However, it’s also used off-label to treat chronic pain due to OA.
For someone with arthritis, pain and stiffness in the joints can make moving difficult. Medicines aim to manage pain, prevent joint damage, and maintain or improve mobility. Whether you have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis or another of the 100 forms of arthritis and related diseases, you have medicines available to help. They can ease symptoms, slow the disease down and help you live a full and busy life. Some arthritis-related diseases — such as gout, fibromyalgia and osteoporosis — have medicines just for those diseases. This article describes each treatment for managing osteoarthritis pain.
Best Tablets for Osteoarthritis
One of the most commonly prescribed tablets for osteoarthritis is **nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)**. These medications work by reducing inflammation and can help alleviate pain associated with osteoarthritis. Some popular NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib.
Another option to consider is **acetaminophen**, which is a pain reliever that can be effective in managing mild to moderate osteoarthritis pain. Acetaminophen is generally well-tolerated and has fewer side effects compared to NSAIDs, making it a good choice for those who cannot take NSAIDs due to other health conditions.
For more severe cases of osteoarthritis, **prescription medications** such as **corticosteroids** or **disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)** may be recommended by your healthcare provider. These medications work to reduce inflammation and slow the progression of the disease.
In addition to medication, **physical therapy** and **lifestyle changes** such as maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and avoiding activities that aggravate your symptoms can also help manage osteoarthritis. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that meets your individual needs.
Ultimately, the best tablet for osteoarthritis will depend on your specific symptoms, health status, and personal preferences. By working closely with your healthcare provider, you can find the right tablet to help manage your osteoarthritis and improve your quality of life.
