Treatment FAQ

what treatment for osteoarthritis

by Solon Lubowitz Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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

There is an FDA approved topical NSAID for the treatment of OA, diclofenac gel, which can be particularly useful for patients who are intolerant to the gastrointestinal side effects of NSAIDs. 6) Intraarticular Therapies: The judicious use of intra-articular glucocorticoid injections is appropriate for OA patients who cannot tolerate, or whose pain is not well controlled by, oral …

Therapy

12 rows · May 04, 2020 · Currently, several active clinical trials are analyzing the use of topical and i.a. trans-capsaicin ...

Self-care

Cognitive behavioral therapy. Mind-body and physical approaches: Yoga, especially for those with knee OA. Balance training, especially for those with hip and knee OA. Medical devices and aids, including heat/cold, radio frequency ablation (knee), medical tape, orthotic devices, acupuncture and knee braces.

Nutrition

Surgery (if other treatment options have not been effective) In addition to these treatments, people can gain confidence in managing their OA with self-management strategies. These strategies help reduce pain and disability so people with osteoarthritis can pursue the activities that are important to them.

What are the best remedies for osteoarthritis?

Aug 14, 2020 · Drug therapy Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen can help relieve... Some medications work to change how your body responds to pain. Popular options include prescription opioids containing... Cymbalta ( Duloxetine) is also one of the ...

What is the best pain medication for osteoarthritis?

What can you do for osteoarthritis?

Is there any cure for osteoarthritis?

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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 the main treatment options for osteoarthritis?

How is osteoarthritis treated?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).More items...•Nov 26, 2019

What is the latest treatment for osteoarthritis?

A recent discovery has been made in the field OA treatment that may allow those who experience related pain symptoms to gain greater mobility in their joints. Chondroitin sulfate was found to significantly reduce pain and improve hand mobility in osteoarthritis patients.

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 triggers osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in your joints gradually deteriorates. Cartilage is a firm, slippery tissue that enables nearly frictionless joint motion. Eventually, if the cartilage wears down completely, bone will rub on bone.Jun 16, 2021

What triggers osteoarthritis flare ups?

The most common triggers of an OA flare are overdoing an activity or trauma to the joint. Other triggers can include bone spurs, stress, repetitive motions, cold weather, a change in barometric pressure, an infection or weight gain.

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

How do you stop osteoarthritis from progressing?

Slowing Osteoarthritis ProgressionMaintain a Healthy Weight. Excess weight puts additional pressure on weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees. ... Control Blood Sugar. ... Get Physical. ... Protect Joints. ... Choose a Healthy Lifestyle.

Is walking good for osteoarthritis?

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.

Does osteoarthritis go away?

Osteoarthritis is a long-term condition and cannot be cured, but it doesn't necessarily get any worse over time and it can sometimes gradually improve. A number of treatments are also available to reduce the symptoms. Mild symptoms can sometimes be managed with simple measures including: regular exercise.

What type of exercise is good for osteoarthritis?

Walking, biking, swimming, tai chi, yoga, and water aerobics are all good aerobic exercises for people with osteoarthritis. Water exercise is especially ideal because of water's soothing warmth and buoyancy. It's a gentle way to exercise joints and muscles -- plus it acts as resistance to help build muscle strength.Jun 15, 2021

What tests are done to diagnose osteoarthritis?

There is no blood test for the diagnosis of osteoarthritis. Blood tests are performed to exclude diseases that can cause secondary osteoarthritis, as well as to exclude other arthritis conditions that can mimic osteoarthritis. X-rays of the affected joints are the main way osteoarthritis is identified.

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.

How to help people with arthritis?

Join a self-management education class, which helps people with arthritis and other chronic conditions—including OA—understand how arthritis affects their lives and increase their confidence in controlling their symptoms and living well. Learn more about the CDC-recommended self-management education programs.

How to control arthritis?

You can play an active role in controlling your arthritis by attending regular appointments with your health care provider and following your recommended treatment plan. This is especially important if you also have other chronic conditions, like diabetes or heart disease. Lose weight.

What is the most common form of arthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. Some people call it degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis. It occurs most frequently in the hands, hips, and knees. With OA, the cartilage within a joint begins to break down and the underlying bone begins to change.

What are the risks of OA?

Joint injury or overuse—Injury or overuse, such as knee bending and repetitive stress on a joint, can damage a joint and increase the risk of OA in that joint. Age—The risk of developing OA increases with age. Gender—Women are more likely to develop OA than men, especially after age 50.

What are some ways to reduce the risk of arthritis?

Moderate, low impact activities recommended include walking, swimming, or biking. Regular physical activity can also reduce the risk of developing other chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Learn more about physical activity for arthritis . Go to effective physical activity programs.

How to help OA?

Go to effective physical activity programs. For people who worry that physical activity may make OA worse or are unsure how to exercise safely, participation in physical activity programs can help reduce pain and disability related to arthritis and improve mood and the ability to move.

How to reduce pain from OA?

For people who are overweight or obese, losing weight reduces pressure on joints, particularly weight bearing joints like the hips and knees. Reaching or maintaining a healthy weight can relieve pain, improve function, and slow the progression of OA. Protect your joints. Joint injuries can cause or worsen arthritis.

What is the best way to diagnose osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is diagnosed primarily on X-Ray. Magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) may be done later to check for the extent of bone erosion and other injuries to the joint structure. For diagnosing OA, doctors ask for your medical history and look for the signs and symptoms. This is generally done by rheumatologists and orthopedic surgeons.

What is the best treatment for OA pain?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen can help relieve the pain and swelling in patients with OA. These can be in the form of topical gels, oral pills, or injections.

What is it called when your joints are swollen?

Painful joint swelling is called arthritis. Osteoarthritis is due to wear and tear of the joints over many years. Arthritis maye develop in any joint, including the fingers, hips and knees. Usually, patients with arthritis feel pain in their joints even after moderate movements.

Can you reverse osteoarthritis?

Once osteoarthritis (OA) starts developing, you can only slow down the progression of the disease and not reverse it. The best treatment for OA varies from person to person. Most often, a combination of various therapies gives the best results.

What is the term for the breakdown of cartilage in one or more joints?

Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that is caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of one or more joints. See a picture of Osteoarthritis and learn more about the health topic.

Is osteoporosis a type of arthritis?

Osteoporosis is not a type of arthritis. It is a disease that mainly is caused by a loss of bone tissue that is not limited to the joint areas. It is possible for one person to have both osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

What are the differences between osteoporosis and osteoarthritis?

The differences in the causes of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are that osteoarthritis usually is caused by wear and tear on the joints. Osteoporosis usually is caused by one or more underlying problems, for example, calcium and vitamin D deficiencies. Treatment for osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are not the same.

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Diagnosis

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Coping and Support

Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment mainly focuses on reducing pain and improving movement. Treatment includes medications, therapies, and surgeries help reduce inflammation and pain.
Medication

Analgesics: Drugs that are used to relieve pain.

Acetaminophen


Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Reduces pain and inflammation.

Ibuprofen

Procedures

Arthroplasty: The affected joint is removed and replaced with an artificial one.

Arthrodesis: In this procedure, the joints are fused. It reduces the OA pain but movement is difficult. This procedure is performed when arthroplasty is not possible.

Osteotomy: In this procedure for knee replacement surgery, the physician may add or remove a small segment from the knee joints.

Therapy

Physical therapy:To strengthen the muscles. Regular exercise can improve strength of muscles around the joints.

Occupational therapy:Helps perform daily tasks with ease.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

Obesity is one of the reasons for osteoarthritis, reducing weight will improve the condition.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Eat oily fish
  • Regularly use ginger and turmeric
  • Increase the intake of vegetables and fruits
  • Omega-3 fatty acids

Foods to avoid:

  • Avoid sugar
  • Reduce salt intake
  • Avoid fried foods

Specialist to consult

Orthopedician
Specializes in bones and their disorders.
Physical therapist
A health professional who helps patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility.

Preparing For Your Appointment

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During the physical exam, your doctor will check your affected joint for tenderness, swelling, redness and flexibility.
See more on mayoclinic.org

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