Top 5 treatment options for osteoarthritis you should know

Last updated over 7 years ago
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Osteoarthritis or OA is a common kind of chronic disorder affecting the joints of the person. Well, it can happen in the knees or even a thumb. The joint condition shows up when the cushioning or cartilage between knee joints tend to break down. This breakdown of cartilage can lead to stiff joints, joint pain and swelling or inflammation. If nothing is done timely, it may cause really painful joint and impact mobility to a great extent. To curb joint swelling or inflammation, the doctor will suggest you various osteoarthritis treatment options. If you adopt suitable treatment option basing on your situation or severity of condition, it can eliminate stiff and painful joints. When there is no joint swelling or joint pain, the quality of your life improves.  

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By taking a quick action to treat joint condition, you can restore mobility and carry out your daily tasks with ease. We can’t say that there is any singular cure for joint condition. There are a variety of treatments and the choice of the treatment depends on certain factors. It all depends on your life situation and health needs. You need to take into account the extent of pain, the medical history and how far Osteoarthritis impacts your daily life.

Alternative therapies for pain relief or rehabilitation

When it comes to Osteoarthritis or OA, you may adopt a few alternative therapies. They may be occupational, physical and alternative therapy. To improve mobility and joint flexibility, you may adopt physical therapy and indulge in exercises. Occupational therapies help to manage usual day-to-day activities. Such therapies are required for quite some time till the condition flares up.

Alternate therapies to treat joint condition include practices like massage, relaxation therapy and hydrotherapy. To reduce OA symptoms, you may opt for acupuncture therapy. When used in combination with certain medicines, acupuncture treatment may reduce the symptoms of Osteoarthritis.

The use of injectable steroid

If the joint area is swollen and there is acute pain on the region, the doctor can inject steroids like corticosteroids and glucocorticoids to give relief from pain and discomfort. It can give an instant relief from any pain and discomfort.

Over-the-counter drugs and medicines

People with Osteoarthritis choose over-the-counter drugs and medicines to gain relief from pain. If the pain is mild, it may be rebuked by over-the-counter prescription drugs. NSAIDs or Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Naproxen may be required to address pain, joint swelling and discomfort. Other drugs like COX-2 inhibitors and Hyaluronic acid may be needed if usual drugs fail to deliver results. They are also an effective rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

Surgeries: the last treatment option

If none of the treatments work out, surgery will be the suitable treatment option. Pain in the joint may be severe and if there isn’t any relief from medication and therapies, one has to choose surgery.  First the doctor will carry out a series of tests to find if you are suitable candidate for surgery or not. Some of the common kinds of surgery are Arthroscopic surgery, Osteotomy and joint replacement. Among these, joint replacement is common. Here the damaged portion of the joint is replaced with artificial components.

Stretching exercises and Yoga

After you have recovered from joint disease, the rehabilitation part also comes within the treatment. There are a lot of stretching exercises that you may do.

Radiation therapy is an effective treatment for bone cancer. Joint diseases are easy to handle and cure till they haven’t gone severe.

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