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Treatment for Osteoarthritis

OA cannot be cured. It will most likely get worse over time. However, your OA symptoms can be controlled.

You can have surgery, but other treatments can improve your pain and make your life much better. Although these treatments cannot make the arthritis go away, they can often delay surgery.

MEDICATIONS for of Osteoarthritis

Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with OA symptoms. You can buy these medicines without a prescription.

Most doctors recommend acetaminophen(such as Tylenol) first. It has fewer side effects than other drugs. (Do not take more then 3 grams (3,000mg) a day.)

If your pain continues, your doctor may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Types of NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

Supplements that you may use include:

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Staying active and getting exercise can maintain joint and overall movement. Ask your health care provider to recommend an exercise routine. Water exercises, such as swimming, are helpful.

Other lifestyle tips include:

If the pain from OA gets worse, keeping up with activities may become more difficult or painful. Making changes around the home can help take stress off your joints to relieve some of the pain. If your work is causing stress in certain joints, you may need to adjust your work area or change work tasks.

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Physical therapy can help improve muscle strength and the motion of stiff joints as well as your balance. If therapy does not make you feel better after 6 to 8 weeks, then it likely will not work at all.

Massage therapy may provide short-term pain relief. Make sure you work with a licensed massage therapist who is experienced in working on sensitive joints.

BRACES

Splints and braces may help support weakened joints. Some types prevent the joint from moving. Others allow some movement. Use a brace only when your doctor or therapist recommends one. Using a brace the wrong way can cause joint damage, stiffness, and pain.

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese treatment. It is thought that when acupuncture needles stimulate certain points on the body, chemicals that block pain are released. Acupuncture may provide short-term pain relief for OA.

S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe, pronounced "Sammy") is a man-made form of a natural chemical in the body. It may help reduce joint inflammation and pain.

SURGERY

Severe cases of OA might need surgery to replace or repair damaged joints. Options include:

Support Groups for of Osteoarthritis

Organizations that specialize in arthritis are good resources for more information on OA.

Outlook / Prognosis for of Osteoarthritis

Your movement may become limited over time. Doing everyday activities, such as personal hygiene, household chores, or cooking may become a challenge. Treatment usually improves function.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of OA that get worse.

Prevention of of Osteoarthritis

Try not to overuse a painful joint at work or during activities. Maintain a normal body weight. Keep the muscles around your joints strong, especially the weight-bearing joints (knee, hip, ankle).