Osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joints. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to help manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis. But what is the first treatment for osteoarthritis?
Hyaluronic acid injections may help ease pain from osteoarthritis of the knee. Side effects can include swelling in the joint and a temporary increase in pain. Corticosteroids can ease inflammation and swelling and offer quick, short-term pain relief for people with OA. These injections are usually given no more than three or four times a year in a single joint. The risk of side effects is small but can include damage to tendons, bleeding, color changes in the skin, and infection.
It also doesn’t start the way some health conditions do — there’s not usually an exact starting point your healthcare provider can precisely identify. During this presentation Green will also show clear differences in composition, manufacturing, and the biocompatibility of the 2.5 iPAAG. Lastly, she will review multiple case histories where veterinarians used 2.5 iPAAG successfully to treat both late-stage OA as well as early stage OA in various equine disciplines. Green will answer questions from the audience for the final minutes of the webcast. Lipogems’ products are used in a variety of specialties, including orthopaedics.
Exercise
One of the first treatments recommended for osteoarthritis is exercise. Regular physical activity can help improve joint flexibility, strengthen muscles around the joints, and reduce pain. Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, and biking are often recommended for people with osteoarthritis.
Weight Management
Research indicates people with OA experience more falls and risk of fracture than those without OA. Although study results vary, some research shows they may have up to 30% more falls and have a 20% greater risk of fracture. Having OA can decrease function, weaken muscles, affect overall balance, and make falls more likely, especially among those with OA in knees or hips.
Another important treatment for osteoarthritis is weight management. Excess weight puts extra stress on the joints, which can worsen symptoms of osteoarthritis. Losing weight through a combination of healthy eating and regular exercise can help reduce pain and improve joint function.
According to this definition, PRP contains 2–9 folds more PLT per unit volume than normal blood. PRP is developed from autologous blood, it is inherently safe, and is free from transmissible diseases. It has been used successfully on tissue regeneration, due to the high concentration of GF contained in platelets [112]. GFs, which are being released from platelets α-granules enhance the regeneration of injured tissue. The α-granules are approximately 200 to 500 nm in diameter and contain over 30 bioactive proteins [113]. The IL-6 is a proinflammatory cytokine that interacts in complex ways with cells involved in bone remodeling.
Medications
In addition to exercise and weight management, medications are often prescribed to help manage the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, and corticosteroid injections are commonly used to relieve pain and reduce swelling in the affected joints.
Patients in whom pain has progressed to unacceptable levels-that is, pain at rest and/or nighttime pain-should also be considered as surgical candidates. Surgical options include arthroscopy, osteotomy and arthroplasty. Arthroscopic removal of intra-articular loose bodies and repair of degenerative menisci may be indicated in some patients with knee OA.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is another important treatment option for osteoarthritis. A physical therapist can create a personalized exercise program to help improve joint function and mobility. They can also teach you how to properly perform exercises to prevent further damage to the joints.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat severe osteoarthritis that does not respond to other treatments. Joint replacement surgery, such as a hip or knee replacement, can help relieve pain and improve joint function in people with advanced osteoarthritis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the first-line treatment for osteoarthritis?
- Exercise and weight management are often recommended as the first-line treatments for osteoarthritis.
- Can osteoarthritis be cured?
- Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, but it can be managed effectively with proper treatment.
- Is surgery always necessary for osteoarthritis?
- No, surgery is not always necessary for osteoarthritis. Many people can manage their symptoms with non-surgical treatments.
