If you are suffering from osteoarthritis, you may be looking for ways to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with this condition. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can implement to help manage your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. Here are some effective ways to get rid of osteoarthritis:
According to one 2014 report in Obesity Reviews, losing as little as 10 pounds can decrease the progression of knee OA by up to 50%. One major reason for this is a reduced burden on your joints. In one small study, researchers found that low-level laser therapy reduced pain and swelling and increased mobility in people with Heberden’s and Bouchard’s nodes.
Exercise Regularly
As the cartilage continues to break down, new bone grows alongside the existing bone in the form of nodes or bony spurs. This process can destroy existing bone and cause significant pain, which can be an early sign of OA and the development of nodes. Over time, the pain may lessen, but the deformity progresses. The cartilage can degrade and become unable to protect your bones. Without this protection, the bones begin to rub against each other.
Although you may begin treatment with noninvasive options, such as OTC medications and lifestyle changes, you may need stronger alternatives if symptoms continue to get worse. Your healthcare provider may start treatment during stage three with OTC medications, like NSAIDs for pain. If they are not enough, your practitioner may prescribe pain medication for you. You may need hyaluronic acid or corticosteroid injections into the joints for pain relief. The report will brief you on breakthroughs in joint replacement surgery. You’ll learn about the role of physical therapy as well as complementary procedures.
However, there’s a lack of medical evidence to suggest they’re effective and they generally are not recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). This means your joint will be stronger and much less painful, although you will no longer be able to move it. If joint replacement is not suitable for you, your surgeon may suggest an operation to fuse your joint in a permanent position, known as an arthrodesis. Steroid injections work quickly and can ease pain for several weeks or months.
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. Your doctor will talk to you about medicines to relieve pain from osteoarthritis. Discuss any new exercise plan with your GP or physiotherapist before you start. They can help you plan a suitable exercise programme for you. Your GP and practice nurse can also advise about how to lose weight slowly and safely. A healthy and varied diet that provides adequate amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients is vital for overall joint health.
Regular exercise is crucial for individuals with osteoarthritis as it helps strengthen the muscles around the joints and improve flexibility. Low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, and cycling can help reduce stiffness and pain in the affected joints.
If this happens, your surgeon can restore your hand function by using part of a healthy tendon to reattach your affected bone and muscle. Tendon transfer is also used to treat basal thumb arthritis. An injection of a steroid into the joint may help relieve pain and reduce inflammation for several weeks or months. Your doctor will offer these only a certain number of times because they can have side effects such as infection and weakened ligaments.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Glucosamine, often along with chondroitin, has helped improve pain in some studies, but not in others. Some medical research shows that SAMe, a chemical found in the body, may work as well as some over-the-counter medications, although more research is needed. If you do try supplements, you may need to take them for a month or more before you feel the full effects.
Being overweight puts extra pressure on your joints, which can exacerbate the symptoms of osteoarthritis. By maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and regular exercise, you can reduce the strain on your joints and alleviate pain.
Use Heat and Cold Therapy
Applying heat or cold to the affected joints can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Heat therapy can help relax muscles and improve blood flow, while cold therapy can numb the area and reduce swelling.
Take Supplements
Supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin have been shown to help reduce pain and improve joint function in individuals with osteoarthritis. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if these supplements are right for you.
Consider Physical Therapy
A physical therapist can create a customized exercise program to help improve your range of motion, strength, and flexibility. Physical therapy can also teach you proper body mechanics to prevent further damage to your joints.
FAQs
- Can osteoarthritis be cured?
Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be managed effectively through lifestyle modifications and treatments. - Is surgery necessary for osteoarthritis?
In severe cases of osteoarthritis, surgery may be recommended to repair or replace damaged joints. However, surgery is usually considered as a last resort after conservative treatments have failed.
