- Medications (topical pain medicines and oral analgesics including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, NSAIDs).
- Exercise (land- and water-based).
- Intermittent hot and cold packs (local modalities).
- Physical, occupational, and exercise therapy.
- Weight loss (if overweight).
Medication
The standard pharmacological treatment includes agents for control of pain and inflammation (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics including opioids, intraarticular corticosteroids) and the group of the symptomatic slow acting drugs for OA such as glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, diacerein, unsaponifiables extract of soybean and …
Procedures
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. Tibial osteotomy is an option for some patients who have a relatively small varus angulation (less than 10 degrees) and stable ligamentous support.
Therapy
PT is considered a conservative treatment option for osteoarthritis. It is most valuable for patients in the earlier stages of arthritis – it promotes muscle balance and joint health. Patients scheduled for a joint replacement or another orthopedic surgery may find that PT is often part of “pre-habilitation.” 2. Holistic treatment and home remedies
Self-care
Medical devices and aids, including heat/cold, radio frequency ablation (knee), medical tape, orthotic devices, acupuncture and knee braces. Pharmacological approaches: Topical NSAIDs (hand). Topical capsaicin (knee). Intra-articular steroid injections (hand). Intra-articular steroid injection over other injectables. Chondroitin sulfate (hand).
Nutrition
What are some good alternative treatments for osteoarthritis?
What is necessary in treatment plans for osteoarthritis?
What are the best painkillers for osteoarthritis?
What is the best prescription medication for osteoarthritis?
What is the most effective treatment for osteoarthritis?
NSAIDs are the most effective oral medicines for OA. They include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) naproxen (Aleve) and diclofenac (Voltaren, others). All work by blocking enzymes that cause pain and swelling.
What are three treatments for osteoarthritis?
This guide summarizes evidence on the effectiveness and safety of three treatments for osteoarthritis of the knee: use of the supplements glucosamine, chondroitin, or both combined; viscosupplementation (injection of hyaluronan into the knee); and arthroscopic lavage and debridement of the knee joint.Apr 8, 2009
What is the first line treatment for osteoarthritis?
Acetaminophen should be used as first-line therapy for mild osteoarthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are superior to acetaminophen for treating moderate to severe osteoarthritis.Jan 1, 2012
What is the newest treatment for osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis Drugs in Phase 3 Clinical Trials (as of November 2017)Tanezumab, an antibody directed against NGF (nerve growth factor)XS-02, oral Disodium Zoledronate Tetrahydrate.Fasinumab, an antibody directed against NGF (nerve growth factor)Invossa™, a cell and gene therapy, intra-articular injection.More items...
What is the life expectancy of a person with osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis reduces the quality and quantity of life. By using Quality adjusted life Years (a measure of disease burden taking life quality into account) it can be said that the average, 50-84 year old, non-obese person with knee OA will lose 1.9 years.May 8, 2015
What are the 4 stages of osteoarthritis?
The four stages of osteoarthritis are:Stage 1 – Minor. Minor wear-and-tear in the joints. Little to no pain in the affected area.Stage 2 – Mild. More noticeable bone spurs. ... Stage 3 – Moderate. Cartilage in the affected area begins to erode. ... Stage 4 – Severe. The patient is in a lot of pain.Oct 2, 2020
Does walking worsen osteoarthritis?
Doctor's Response. Exercise, including walking, can be beneficial for osteoarthritis patients. Exercise can help to reduce pain and increase quality of life. Lack of exercise can lead to more joint stiffness, muscle weakness and tightness, and loss of joint motion.
What is the main cause of osteoarthritis?
What causes osteoarthritis? Primary osteoarthritis is caused by the breakdown of cartilage, a rubbery material that eases the friction in your joints. It can happen in any joint but usually affects your fingers, thumbs, spine, hips, knees, or big toes. Osteoarthritis is more common in older people.Aug 18, 2020
Is osteoarthritis classed as a disability?
Because of the severity of osteoarthritis the Social Security Administration (SSA) has determined that it is a disability, meaning you may be eligible to receive disability benefits.
What is the new injection for arthritis?
Zilretta is the first and only extended-release, intra-articular injection for osteoarthritis knee pain. Using an injection like Zilretta for osteoarthritis knee pain offers an innovative non-opioid therapy, proven to deliver pain relief over 12 weeks.Oct 30, 2017
Are there any biologics for osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a condition that can be treated by biologic injections. This condition is the genetic or traumatic degradation of the cartilage covering the ends of the bones. It can cause pain, joint swelling, joint stiffness and decreased function. One example of a biologic injection is platelet rich plasma (PRP).
Is there any hope for osteoarthritis?
Currently, at least 30 million adults in the United States are living with osteoarthritis, making the condition the most prevalent form of arthritis. While there are a variety of ways in which people can manage this long-term, chronic condition, there is currently no cure for it.Oct 10, 2018
What is the best treatment for OA?
2) Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents (NSAIDs): NSAIDs have been an important treatment for the symptoms of OA for a very long time. The mechanism by which NSAIDs exert their anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects is via inhibition of the prostaglandin-generating enzyme, cyclooxygenase (COX) .
How long does it take for knee OA to improve?
Several studies in older adults with symptomatic knee OA have shown consistent improvements in physical performance, pain and self-reported disability after 3 months of aerobic or resistance exercise. Other studies have shown that resistive strengthening improves gait, strength and overall function.
How do NSAIDs work?
NSAIDs exert their anti-inflammatory effect primarily by inhibiting an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), also known as prostaglandin (PG) synthase. COX catalyzes the conversion of the substrate molecule, arachidonic acid, to prostanoids. Prostanoids consist of prostaglandins E, D and F 2a, prostacyclin and thromboxane.
Can NSAIDs cause GI bleeding?
Other risk factors for NSAID-induced GI bleed include prior peptic ulcer disease and concomitant steroid use. Potential renal toxicities of NSAIDs include azotemia, proteinura, and renal failure requiring hospitalization. Hematologic and cognitive abnormalities have also been reported with several NSAIDs.
What is COX-2 inhibitor?
3) COX-2 Inhibitors: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors are a class of NSAIDs) that recently received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. These specific COX-2 inhibitors are effective for the pain and inflammation of OA.
How to reduce pain in obese patients?
Weight reduction in obese patients has been shown to significantly relieve pain, presumably by reducing biomechanical stress on weight bearing joints. Exercise has also been shown to be safe and beneficial in the management of OA. It has been suggested that joint loading and mobilization are essential for articular integrity. In addition, quadricep weakness, which develops early in OA, may contribute independently to progressive articular damage. Several studies in older adults with symptomatic knee OA have shown consistent improvements in physical performance, pain and self-reported disability after 3 months of aerobic or resistance exercise. Other studies have shown that resistive strengthening improves gait, strength and overall function. Low-impact activities, including water-resistive exercises or bicycle training, may enhance peripheral muscle tone and strength and cardiovascular endurance, without causing excessive force across, or injury, to joints. Studies of nursing home and community-dwelling elderly clearly demonstrate that one additional important benefit of exercise is a reduction in the number of falls.
Can NSAIDs be used in elderly patients?
Therefore, in elderly patients, and those with a documented history of NSAID-induced ulcers, traditional non-selective NSAIDs should be used with caution, usually in lower dose and in conjunction with a proton pump inhibitor. Renal function should be monitored in the elderly.
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