19 August 2021
 Categories: , Blog

Osteoarthritis is an arthritic condition that usually affects the hips, knees, back, hands, and neck. This condition is a degenerative joint disorder that can wear down the cartilage in between your bones, leaving you in constant pain and unable to move freely like you once did. You may have this degenerative disorder in one area of the body, only to find that it is affecting other parts of your body as well. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but treatment can help you move without pain. Read on for some treatment options.

Medications For Pain And Inflammation 

You can treat this arthritis using over-the-counter medications to help control the pain and reduce swelling and inflammation. Medications, such as ibuprofen, Tylenol, and Aleve, can all be used to treat osteoarthritis. If your pain is severe, then other pain medications may be needed in order to manage the pain, but these medications should be prescribed by your physician. Over-the-counter pain medication, just as with prescribed medications, should be monitored by your physician, and you should take them as directed. You should also report any concerns you have to your physician when taking any type of medication.

Exercise And Stretching 

Performing exercises daily and stretching can help with the inflammation and can keep your joints from getting stiff. Your joints will stiffen from not being used, and if you are always in pain, then you may begin to move in a different way to help prevent the pain, which may cause you more pain in the end. You should exercise and stretch regularly, and going to physical therapy for proper technique is a major benefit.

Cortisone Injections

A cortisone injection can help treat your pain and inflammation. The cortisone is injected directly into the joint to help suppress the pain, although this is only temporary. You will need further injections, as they only last a few weeks or months depending on how severe your pain and inflammation are. Cortisone injections are performed at the physician's office, and you are given a local anesthetic for this type of procedure. 

Osteoarthritis can take its toll, and if you do not have it treated, then you could be in constant pain with an inability to move freely. Talk to your doctor about other treatment options for your osteoarthritis and what you can do at home to help with the pain and inflammation associated with this condition.