Osteoarthritis Treatment
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According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) there is no cure for osteoarthritis. The best thing you can do for osteoarthritis is to manage your symptoms with various treatments.
The NLM states there are several treatments for osteoarthritis (OA) which can improve and manage your symptoms. Treatments for OA may include:
• Over-the-counter medication
• Prescription medication
• Alternative or holistic treatments
• Topical analgesics
• Lifestyle changes
• Surgery
• Physical Therapy
• Braces
For mild or moderate pain caused by OA, the American College of Rheumatology recommends 325 to 1,000 mgs of acetaminophen every four to six hours. However, do not exceed more than 4,000 mgs per day.
Do not drink alcohol with acetaminophen. Your doctor may recommend ibuprofen, aspirin or Aleve. These OTC medications may reduce your swelling.
For severe pain, your doctor may temporarily prescribe a stronger analgesic. These types of drugs include: tramadol, acetaminophen with codeine and propoxyphene hydrochloride. You should use caution when taking these types of drugs because you can become dependent upon them.
Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine are supplements your doctor may recommend to manage your pain. A three-month trial is recommended. Acupuncture may provide some temporary relief of OA.
Your doctor may recommend a topical analgesic containing salicylates, counterirritants or capsaicin. You can purchase these products at your local pharmacy. It will take 1-2 weeks before you feel some relief in your joints.
The names of these products are:
• Zostrix
• Zostrix HP
• Capzasin-P
• Menthacin
• ArthriCare
• Eucalyptamint
• Icy Hot
• Therapeutic Mineral Ice
• Aspercreme
• Ben-Gay
• Flexall
• Mobisyl
• Sportscreme
• Tiger Balm
Depending on the severity of your pain, your doctor may prescribe the topical called Voltaren Gel.
For knee osteoarthritis, your doctor may inject artificial joint fluid. However, this will only provide relief for three to six months.
To provide relief for your joint pain, your doctor may recommend the following lifestyle changes:
• Weight loss
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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