Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is characterized by the breakdown of the cartilage in one or more joints in the body.
Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition with no cure as of yet, but there are treatments that can lessen pain, maintain joint movement, and prevent the degeneration of the condition.
Medication
There are numerous over-the-counter and prescription medications that can relieve pain and swelling caused by osteoarthritis. These include:
There are numerous over-the-counter and prescription medications that can relieve pain and swelling caused by osteoarthritis. These include:
- Over-the-counter and prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Analgesics such as paracetamol
- Topical painkillers such as capsaicin cream, salycylates, and NSAID creams.
- Opiods, such as tramadol and codeine
Injections
Many patients with osteoarthritis in the knee can benefit from injectable medications.
Cortiscosteroids are a class of medications that can greatly reduce inflammation, thus reducing pain. A corticosteroid injection can also improve knee joint mobility. However, the benefits of corticosteroids are short-lived, with pain relief lasting from one week to a few months.
Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in synovial fluid, the substance that lubricates the knee and acts as a shock absorber. In people with osteoarthritis, the hyaluronic acid in synovial fluid breaks down and thins out. An injection of hyaluronic acid may help with lubricating and cushioning the knee, reducing pain and stiffness. Physicians could recommend hyaluronic acid injections when other treatment methods don't work.
Many patients with osteoarthritis in the knee can benefit from injectable medications.
Cortiscosteroids are a class of medications that can greatly reduce inflammation, thus reducing pain. A corticosteroid injection can also improve knee joint mobility. However, the benefits of corticosteroids are short-lived, with pain relief lasting from one week to a few months.
Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in synovial fluid, the substance that lubricates the knee and acts as a shock absorber. In people with osteoarthritis, the hyaluronic acid in synovial fluid breaks down and thins out. An injection of hyaluronic acid may help with lubricating and cushioning the knee, reducing pain and stiffness. Physicians could recommend hyaluronic acid injections when other treatment methods don't work.
Surgery
Surgery is sometimes presented as a treatment option for patients who have not had success with other forms of treatment, or those who have damaged joints. There are several types of surgery for osteoarthritis, including arthroplasty, osteotomy, and arthrodesis. Surgery for osteoarthritis could greatly relieve symptoms, although some pain and stiffness might remain.
There are various other ways for people with osteoarthritis to manage their symptoms, including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), physical therapy, and lifestyle changes such as exercising more and losing weight.
Research scientists are constantly studying and developing ways to prevent or lessen the risk of osteoarthritis, as well as more effective and evidence-based methods of improving its symptoms. In the meantime, people with osteoarthritis should consult their physician to learn more about their current treatment options.
Surgery is sometimes presented as a treatment option for patients who have not had success with other forms of treatment, or those who have damaged joints. There are several types of surgery for osteoarthritis, including arthroplasty, osteotomy, and arthrodesis. Surgery for osteoarthritis could greatly relieve symptoms, although some pain and stiffness might remain.
There are various other ways for people with osteoarthritis to manage their symptoms, including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), physical therapy, and lifestyle changes such as exercising more and losing weight.
Research scientists are constantly studying and developing ways to prevent or lessen the risk of osteoarthritis, as well as more effective and evidence-based methods of improving its symptoms. In the meantime, people with osteoarthritis should consult their physician to learn more about their current treatment options.
Regina Kurrasch, a board-certified rheumatologist, has spent two decades helping companies develop and improve treatments for auto-immune diseases and conducting research on osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions. For more discussions on osteoarthritis management, like this Facebook page.