Osteoarthritis medical therapy
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Medical Therapy
As all medical diseases, the prevention and the early diagnosis and onetime treatment of OA play important roles patient final outcome. The treatment of OA can be categorized into two nonsurgical and surgical options. Meanwhile the non-surgical treatments are often effective enough as the first line in patients management. Actually, the Osteoarthritis treatment is a combination of medical and physical therapy.
Medications
Drug therapy in OA management play important rolls in relieving pain and slow downing the progression of this disease. Meanwhile, common medications are:
- NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): Include: aspirin, ibuprofen (e.g. Advil), naproxen (e.g. Aleve), cox-2 inhibitors) are able to reduce the inflammation and swelling as a common findings in OA.
- Meanwhile, Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate Supplements for Osteoarthritis
- For patients who have evidence of osteoarthritis in the knees or spine (as seen on an x-ray), and are experiencing moderate-to-severe pain, nutritional supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate may be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for pain relief and disease management.
- See Dietary Supplements for Treating Arthritis While glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have been taken orally since the 1960s in Europe, it is only recently that these supplements have been used in the United States as an alternative treatment for osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease.
- See Osteoarthritis Treatment Supplements for Knee Osteoarthritis Video Evidence suggests that these supplements may help relieve moderate-to-severe pain of osteoarthritis by interacting with the cartilage. Current clinical trial results support the use of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, particularly for osteoarthritis of the knee. Although glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have proven effective for some patients with osteoarthritis, these and any other supplements should only be used as complementary treatment, under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
- Analgesics. Pain relievers, or analgesics, such as acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol), or tramadol (e.g. Ultram) are used to relieve pain, but do not alleviate inflammation or swelling. Because they have few side effects, analgesics are recommended for patients experiencing mild to moderate pain.
Topical analgesics. Topical analgesics are creams that can be applied directly to the skin over the affected area. The primary ingredie NSAIDs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (e.g. Advil), naproxen (e.g. Aleve), cox-2 inhibitors) are used to reduce swelling and inflammation, and are recommended for patients experiencing moderate to severe pain. ntsSee Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate Supplements for Osteoarthritis in these creams are usually counterirritants, such as wintergreen and eucalyptus, which stimulate the nerve endings and distract the brain from joint pain. Topical analgesics are available in most drug stores, and can be used in combination with most oral pain medications.
- Analgesics. Pain relievers, or analgesics, such as acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol), or tramadol (e.g. Ultram) are used to relieve pain, but do not alleviate inflammation or swelling. Because they have few side effects, analgesics are recommended for patients experiencing mild to moderate pain.
- Topical analgesics. Topical analgesics are creams that can be applied directly to the skin over the affected area. The primary ingredients in these creams are usually counterrritants, such as wintergreen and eucalyptus, which stimulate the nerve endings and distract the brain from joint pain. Topical analgesics are available in most drug stores, and can be used in combination with most oral pain medications.
- See Topical Pain Relief for Arthritis
- NSAIDs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (e.g. Advil), naproxen (e.g. Aleve), cox-2 inhibitors) are used to reduce swelling and inflammation, and are recommended for patients experiencing moderate to severe pain.
- See Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate Supplements for Osteoarthritis
Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis Video
Physical therapy provides targeted exercises that help maintain the ability to perform everyday tasks such as walking, bathing, and dressing. Although rest is an important part of the healing process, it is important to keep up with moderate levels of activity to strengthen the muscles surrounding the damaged joint. Stronger muscles provide greater stability for the joint, which in turn helps reduce stress on the joint.
Occupational therapy may also be recommended to demonstrate appropriate modifications for everyday activities that may be causing pain.
- See Exercising with Arthritis
In This Article:
- What Is Osteoarthritis?
- Osteoarthritis Symptoms and Signs
- Osteoarthritis Causes
- Osteoarthritis Diagnosis
- Osteoarthritis Treatment
- Osteoarthritis Video
Injections for Hip Osteoarthritis Video
Injections
Steroid injections are often performed if pain is moderate to severe and especially if the pain symptoms limit the patient’s ability to participate with exercises. When combined with physical therapy, steroid injections can offer a very important "window of opportunity" during which the patient may more fully participate with therapy because the pain is resolved or at least better controlled. By allowing the patient to participate with therapy, the patient may stretch and strengthen important muscles around the affected joint(s) and thereby decrease the load experienced by the joint(s) so that the inflammation and pain do not return.
- See Cortisone Injections (Steroid Injections)
Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis Video
Hyaluronic acid injections are another injection modality designed to help lubricate the joint and reduce the pain and inflammation of the joint. These injections attempt to help replace the joint’s natural fluid and are sometimes described as "paving the pot holes in the joint." By reducing the inflammation and pain in the joint, as with steroid injections, a "window of opportunity" is opened up for the patient to stretch and strengthen the appropriate muscles. If the patient does not use this window, then often symptoms recur in 6-12 months at which point the injections can be repeated if necessary.
Surgery
For most patients, osteoarthritis symptoms can be successfully managed through non-surgical care. For some, however, if they are experiencing severe joint damage, extreme pain, or very restricted mobility, surgery may be a viable option. Common types of surgery for osteoarthritis of the hip or osteoarthritis of the knee include arthroscopic surgery, osteotomy, and arthroplasty (total joint replacement).
- See Knee Surgery for Arthritis and Total Hip Replacement for Hip Arthritis
While the potential benefits of surgery, such as improved movement and pain relief, can be enticing, it is important to remember that any surgery comes with risks. These risks are higher for patients who are overweight or have other co-morbidities, which is a concern for many osteoarthritis sufferers.