The treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) focuses on decreasing pain and improving joint movement.
- Pain-relieving medicines including acetaminophen (Tylenol, for example) and painkillers (often called NSAIDS) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen can ease pain. Some medicines in the form of creams, rubs, or sprays might be applied over the skin of affected areas to relieve pain.
- Synvisc, Supartz, and Hyalgan are medicines that can be given as a series of three to five weekly injections to relieve pain in some people with osteoarthritis.
- Stronger pain pills, such as narcotics, might be prescribed when osteoarthritis pain is severe and other treatments are not working.
- Joint protection can prevent strain or stress on painful joints.
- Hot or cold compresses might be recommended to provide temporary relief of pain and stiffness. These treatments might be given in the form of a hot shower or bath, or by applying heating pads or cold compresses.
- Surgery (in some cases) might relieve chronic pain in damaged joints.
- Weight control can prevent extra stress on weight-bearing joints.
- Exercise can improve joint movement and strengthen the muscles that surround the joints. Gentle exercises, such as swimming or walking on flat surfaces, are recommended because they create less stress on joints. Activities that increase joint pain (jogging, high-impact aerobics, etc.) should be avoided.
- Acupuncture and bioelectric therapy also might be useful for relieving pain.
- Some medical research has shown that the supplements glucosamine and chondroitin can relieve pain in some people with osteoarthritis, especially in the knee. In addition, there is evidence that these supplements can help rebuild some cartilage. Some people also use methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) for arthritis, but there is less medical evidence showing its benefits. MSM is a naturally occurring sulfur that is taken as a dietary supplement.
