- 1. Arthrosis remedies
- 2. Physiotherapy for osteoarthritis
- 3. Arthrosis surgery
- 4. Natural treatment for osteoarthritis
- 5. Home treatment for osteoarthritis
- Signs of improvement and worsening
- Arthrosis complications
- Care in case of osteoarthritis
Treatment for osteoarthritis can be done with the use of medications, physical therapy, exercise and in the most severe cases when symptoms persist, making life difficult, surgery may be indicated, but in the last case.
Symptoms are usually well controlled with anti-inflammatory pills such as Ibuprofen, but as these should not be taken for more than 7 days as it causes stomach pain, the doctor may also recommend the daily application of anti-inflammatory ointments to pass at the site of ache.
Physiotherapy is a great ally, being useful for pain relief, reduction of swelling, noise when moving the joint and improvement of function, being indicated for all people. When combined with medications, they are very effective in relieving pain and improving function.
Thus, the treatments available for osteoarthritis include:
1. Arthrosis remedies
Drug treatment for osteoarthritis can be done with the intake of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as, for example, Paracetamol, Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Naproxen to relieve pain and swelling of the joints or the application of the Moment or Voltaren ointment. Another medication used in osteoarthritis is Artrolive or Condroflex, which contain two substances that help to regenerate the cartilage of the joints, protecting them from degeneration. Learn more at: Arthrosis Remedy.
When these drugs combined with physical therapy do not have the expected effect and the pain is disabling, the doctor may prescribe an infiltration with anesthetic, corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid directly into the affected joint. Learn more at: Infiltration in the knee relieves pain and improves movement.
2. Physiotherapy for osteoarthritis
Physiotherapeutic treatment for osteoarthritis aims to decrease pain and discomfort through the use of physiotherapy devices, thermal resources, such as heat or ice bags and mobilization and strengthening exercises. This prevents the cartilage from being further destroyed, increasing the intra-articular space through exercises and mobilizations. Find out how arthrosis physiotherapy can be done by clicking here.
Strengthening the muscles surrounding the affected joint is paramount so that that joint is a little more protected and causes less pain and that is why it is recommended to practice the exercises indicated by the physiotherapist, both in the clinic and at home. Know some exercises for knee arthrosis.
Cycling, on the treadmill and doing Pilates are also good options for when there is no pain to maintain strength, being useful to decrease the early return of symptoms.
3. Arthrosis surgery
Surgery is indicated when the use of medications and physiotherapy were insufficient to ease the pain and the limitation that the individual has. It should always be the last therapeutic option, as it can leave permanent sequelae, such as loss of range of motion in the affected joint.
Surgery can be done to scrape the affected tissue or to replace part or all of the joint. After the procedure the person still needs to undergo physical therapy for a few more weeks until the tissue is completely healed and there is no need to use crutches or other devices to aid movement and until the person is able to carry out their daily activities normally.
4. Natural treatment for osteoarthritis
A good natural treatment for osteoarthritis is the consumption of tea from sucupira seeds, as this medicinal plant has a calming and regenerating effect on the joints, being useful to complement the clinical and physiotherapeutic treatment. For tea it is recommended to boil 12 sucupira seeds crushed in a liter of water and drink several times during the day.
Another way to use sucupira for osteoarthritis is to ingest its capsules. Find out how to use the effects at: Sucupira in capsules.
5. Home treatment for osteoarthritis
A good home treatment for osteoarthritis is to place a hot water bottle over the affected joint when it hurts. To achieve the same goal by placing a cloth bundle filled with sesame or flaxseed seeds heated in the microwave over the joint to reduce pain and discomfort. It is recommended to leave it on for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. See more options at: Home remedy for osteoarthritis.
Signs of improvement and worsening
The decrease in swelling, pain and improvement in function are the first signs of improvement in arthrosis, but with the permanence of these symptoms, the worsening of the condition is evident, and it is necessary to investigate what may be happening through imaging exams such as x or MRI.
Arthrosis complications
Complications arise when treatment is not performed, with an increase in pain intensity and frequency. This may indicate a progression of osteoarthritis, with a larger affected area and sometimes only surgery to place a prosthesis can bring relief from symptoms.
Care in case of osteoarthritis
Regardless of the treatment chosen by the doctor and the patient in agreement, it is essential that the individual follows some recommendations to enhance the treatment, such as:
- Weight loss, if you are above the ideal weight for your height and age; Eat healthy, giving preference to the consumption of anti-inflammatory foods; Drink plenty of water, to help lubricate the joints and the flexibility of the skin and muscles; Rest whenever you feel joint pain; Avoid making efforts; Wear suitable clothes and shoes that are light and comfortable.
In addition, it is recommended to avoid repetitive movements with the diseased joint. For example: those who have osteoarthritis in their hands or fingers should avoid knitting, crocheting or washing clothes by hand, and those who have osteoarthritis in their spine should avoid climbing stairs or always lifting and lowering.