How Is Osteoarthritis Treated?

Doctors often combine treatments to fit a patient's needs, lifestyle, and health. Osteoarthritis treatment has four main goals:

• Improve joint function
• Keep a healthy body weight
• Control pain
• Achieve a healthy lifestyle

Osteoarthritis treatment plans can involve:

• Exercise
• Weight control
• Rest and joint care
• Nondrug pain relief techniques to control pain
• Medicines
• Complementary and alternative therapies
• Surgery

How is it treated? 

The doctor will prescribe medications to relieve pain and minimize stiffness. Medications include aspirin (or other nonnarcotic pain relievers), Butazolidin, lndocin, Nalfon, Advil or Motrin, or Darvon and, in some cases, injections of corticosteroids. Such injections, given every 4 to 6 months, may delay the development of new deposits in the person''s hands. The person will also be taught specific exercises to promote flexibility. 

Other treatments 

The doctor may put the person in a brace or traction, suggest a cane or crutches for walking, and encourage other supportive measures such as massage, steam baths, paraffin (wax) dips for the hands, and exercise. Surgery is reserved for people who have severe disability or uncontrollable pain. 

What can a person with osteoarthritis do? 

Pace yourself. Plan rest periods during the day and be protective about getting a good night''s sleep. Because osteoarthritis is not a disease of your whole body, concentrate on therapy that improves your flexibility and comfort. 

Specific treatments  

- Hand: Hot soaks and paraffin dips can relieve pain.  

- Lower and middle back: Use a firm mattress (or bed board) to decrease morning pain. 

- Neck: Check the tightness of your cervical collar; watch for redness after prolonged use.  

- Hip: Use moist heat pads to relieve pain (usually with prescribed antispasmodic drugs) and do stretching and strengthening exercises. You may need to inspect your braces or a walker for proper fit.  

- Knee: Regularly exercise to maintain flexibility, muscle tone, and strength. Consider a brace or an elastic wrap for support. 

More good moves  

- Take your medication exactly as prescribed, and report side effects immediately.  

- Avoid overexertion, and learn to stand and walk without stressing joints. Be especially careful when stooping or picking up objects.  

- Wear well-fitting supportive shoes; don''t allow the heels to become too worn down.  

- Install safety devices at home, such as hand rails in the bathroom .  

- Maintain your proper weight to lessen stress on joints.