Joints and bone rub against each other, when cartilage is worn down, causing inflammation, swelling, and stiffness. The wear and tear of the cushion that is between bones and joints may degenerate at a slow pace or at a fast speed. Pain relief for osteoarthritis patients usually begins at low management, especially if the disease is detected early. Lifestyle changes are generally the first place a newly diagnosed patient needs to start.
Dietary changes that include weight loss, supplements and natural, anti-inflammatory foods or nutritional aids should be implemented. Many patients have found important relief by losing weight and sticking to a low fat diet. Other physical treatments that have proved helpful to those who have beginning signs of the disease are chiropractic care, massage therapy and a reasonable exercise regimen.
When the cartilage is worn down, joints and bone rub against each other causing inflammation, swelling, and stiffness. Some people sustain minor discomfort and may be able to function relatively well. The wear and tear of the cushion that is between bones and joints may degenerate at a slow pace or at a fast speed. Pain relief for osteoarthritis patients usually begins at low management, especially if the disease is detected early.
Nutritional supplements such as chondroitin and glucosamine have shown to be especially effective in repairing some damage to joint tissue. Patients who suffer with chronic pain in osteoarthritis have typically sustained more cartilage damage.
Some milder medications can be used topically and rubbed onto the area of discomfort. Creams and lotions that contain capsaicin and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) can be very effective when applied. Other medications can be ingested such as acetaminophen and other over-the-counters medicines. For patients who need stronger formulas of pain relief for osteoarthritis, there are many prescription drugs that can be suggested by a Doctor.
Steroids are commonly used for injections and while they are generally effective, the effects are not typically long-lasting. To reduce pain and swelling, injections can be administered into ailing joints. The last resort is surgery on the affected joint. Many elderly people may succumb to hip replacement surgery.
If you have sustained an injury due to an accident may also need corrective surgery to a joint. While surgery is the last option for people with serious pain to their necks, backs, knees, hips, and shoulders, sometimes it is the only option for relief. Many sufferers with this form of arthritis deal with more moderate, degenerative symptoms. Some have found pain relief for osteoarthritis through a combination of treatments that include lifestyles changes, non-prescription or prescription medications, physical therapy and/or exercise.
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