Osteoarthritis is one of the most common orthopedic conditions, affecting millions of Americans each year, most of them middle aged or older. Osteoarthritis can be painful, reducing your quality of life and preventing you from participating in your normal activities. Fortunately, the majority of cases can be effectively managed, and most osteoarthritis patients can live full, healthy lives.
Common Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis
Physical Therapy and Exercise
Exercising on a regular basis can help control the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. Exercise can be used to gently stretch joints, maintaining a good range of motion. It can also help strengthen the muscles that support the affected joints, which reduces the amount of pain and degeneration.
In some cases, your doctor may simply provide information on which exercises are likely to be of benefit to you, and you can practice your exercises at home. In other cases, your doctor may recommend that you go through physical therapy, which will help restore your strength and flexibility and teach you exercises that you can continue to use at home.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs like Advil and Aleve are one of the most common treatment options for osteoarthritis. NSAIDs reduce the amount of inflammation in the affected joints, which help relieve symptoms. Some people take NSAIDs daily, while others may only need to take NSAIDs during times of flare-ups or increased activity levels.
Although many NSAIDs are available over-the-counter, there are still risks associated with taking this type of medication. In particular, they increase the risk of bleeding and gastritis. You should only take NSAIDs on a regular, long-term basis if your doctor has specifically recommended that you do so.
Weight Loss
Carrying extra weight places an increased amount of strain on the joints, which exacerbates the symptoms of osteoarthritis. If you are obese, losing as little at 5 – 10% of your body weight can greatly reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis, as well as prevent the condition from worsening further. Weight loss is one of the most common treatment options for osteoarthritis, and it can be highly effective at controlling symptoms.
Losing weight can be a daunting task, especially if you also have issues with mobility caused by osteoarthritis. If you are looking to lose weight, it is best to look for support and information. Taking steps such as reading books and online resources, joining a Weight Watchers group, having a gym buddy, or consulting with a nutritionist can all increase your chances of successfully losing the weight and keeping it off.
If you suffer from osteoarthritis, Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about which treatment is right for you. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.