You may have trouble bending or straightening the affected joints. Talk to your healthcare provider if you feel like certain weather conditions or seasons make arthritis worse. They’ll suggest ways to prevent pain and stiffness throughout the year, or they may modify your arthritis treatments to fit any changes in your environment. Effective pain management is an important part of treating arthritis and can improve quality of life for patients with arthritis. There are multiple ways for adults with arthritis to reduce their pain without using medications and risking their side effects.
NSAID tablets may be needed if topical NSAIDs are not easing the pain. They may not be suitable for people with certain conditions, such as asthma, a stomach ulcer or angina, or if you have had a heart attack or stroke. If you’re taking low-dose aspirin, ask your GP whether you should use a NSAID. Discuss any new exercise plan with your GP or physiotherapist before you start. They can help you plan a suitable exercise programme for you.
An osteotomy procedure involves relieving pressure on the joint by removing a small piece of bone. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is available over the counter or by prescription when used in combination with opioids, which are prescription-only medications. Some people use colchicine, fish oil, or vitamin D for OA, but experts do not recommend these either, as they have not shown benefits in scientific studies.
Osteoarthritis treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving joint function. Here are some common treatment options:
The surgeon will then replace it with a prosthetic joint made from plastic, metal, or ceramic. Similar to duloxetine, pregabalin affects the channels in the brain to help decrease sensitivity to pain. It may work best when combined with first-line treatment options for arthritis. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the oral medication for the treatment of osteoarthritis pain.
Your healthcare provider might use X-rays to take pictures of your joints. They might also use an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) scan. With the right treatment, you can get the relief you need to better manage your symptoms and stay active. This type of surgery may help stop or slow the progress of joint damage. For severe pain and inflammation, a doctor may inject glucocorticoids or corticosteroids directly into the joint.
If the condition worsens, the bones could rub against each other. Treatment for osteoarthritis will aim to help relieve your symptoms, reduce inflammation, and increase your quality of life. Severe cases of osteoarthritis may require surgery to replace or repair damaged joints that can’t be treated with other osteoarthritis treatments. Home remedies include applying heat or cold to the affected joints, using mobility aids, and resting the joint by wearing a splint. An occupational therapist can also recommend assistive devices and ways to ease stress on the joints during daily tasks. Read on to find out more about the treatment options for osteoarthritis.
In fact, some research has shown it may be as effective an anti-inflammatory drugs. Remember to always let your doctor know about any supplements you’re taking, because they can have side effects and interact with medications. Once you have osteoarthritis, losing weight also can relieve the stress and pain in your knees.
Medications
In many cases, medications are used to help manage pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. These may include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Acetaminophen
- Corticosteroids
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help improve range of motion, strengthen muscles, and reduce pain in the affected joint. Therapists may also teach exercises to help maintain joint flexibility.
Surgery
In severe cases where other treatments have not been effective, surgery may be recommended. This could include procedures such as joint replacement or arthroscopy.
Lifestyle Changes
Simple lifestyle changes can also make a big difference in managing osteoarthritis. This may include maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and avoiding activities that put extra stress on the joints.
FAQs
Q: Can osteoarthritis be cured?
A: While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Q: How can I prevent osteoarthritis?
A: Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and protecting your joints from injury can help reduce your risk of developing osteoarthritis.
