When it comes to managing osteoarthritis, it’s important to address not only the joint pain but also the related symptoms that can impact an individual’s quality of life. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are several treatment options available to help manage the symptoms and improve overall comfort.
If you’re taking low-dose aspirin, ask your GP whether you should use a NSAID. Sometimes a combination of therapies, such as painkillers, exercise and assistive devices or surgery, may be needed to help control your pain. 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. To discover more evidence-based information and resources for arthritis, visit our dedicated hub.
Medication
This process likely leads to the squishy swelling that many rheumatologists and surgeons have mistaken for inflammation. She and her colleagues sought answers in the genes expressed in the joint tissue samples of these patients. If you’re experiencing persistent or severe constipation, don’t hesitate to speak with a medical professional. However, don’t ignore this symptom if it persists for a long time or keeps coming back.
OA can affect any joint, but typically affects hands, knees, hips, lower back and neck. It typically develops slowly over time, but after such an injury, it can develop much more rapidly, within just a few years. OA is not an inevitable aging disease; some people never develop it. Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint, the disorder most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine. You can find classes offering several different forms of yoga. For osteoarthritis, you should probably avoid the more strenuous forms of yoga, such as Ashtanga or power yoga, which may aggravate already damaged joints.
This information provided is an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Most patients see their primary care doctor as the first point of contact due to pain caused by arthritis. The primary provider will be able to evaluate to see if further workup is needed. When this compression occurs, it can cause impaired function and pain. Pressure on the upper part of the spinal cord may produce pain or numbness in the shoulders and arms. Pressure on the lower part of the spinal cord or on nerve roots branching out from that area may cause pain or numbness in the legs.
Medication is often prescribed to help manage the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling in the joints. Acetaminophen is another common medication used to alleviate pain. In some cases, stronger pain medications may be prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Middle back pain can happen for several reasons—chronic spine issues, muscle injury, and normal wear and tear, among other causes. Knowing what’s causing your back pain can help determine what treatment you need to ease symptoms. There’s no cure for arthritis, but various treatments can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. In RA, the body’s immune system attacks the synovium (a soft tissue lining the spaces of joints). The synovium becomes swollen and inflamed, eventually destroying cartilage and bone within the joint.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be beneficial for individuals with osteoarthritis as it focuses on improving mobility, strength, and flexibility. A physical therapist can create a personalized exercise plan to help strengthen the muscles around the affected joint, improve range of motion, and reduce pain. Physical therapy can also help individuals learn proper techniques for performing daily activities to minimize strain on the joints.
Weight Management
Weight management plays a crucial role in managing osteoarthritis symptoms, especially in weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips. Excess weight can put added stress on the joints, leading to increased pain and inflammation. By maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise, individuals can reduce the strain on their joints and improve their overall quality of life.
Assistive Devices
Assistive devices such as braces, splints, and orthotic inserts can help support the affected joints and improve stability. These devices can help reduce pain and discomfort while performing daily activities by providing additional support and reducing pressure on the joints. Individuals with osteoarthritis may benefit from using assistive devices to help alleviate symptoms and improve mobility.
Surgical Options
In severe cases of osteoarthritis where conservative treatments have not provided relief, surgical options may be considered. Procedures such as arthroplasty (joint replacement) or arthrodesis (joint fusion) may be recommended to repair or replace damaged joints and improve function. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate surgical option based on individual needs and preferences.
