5 Remedies to Treat Arthrosis and Natural Options

There are several options for the treatment of osteoarthritis, including painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs or glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, for example, which are prescribed by the general practitioner, geriatrician or rheumatologist, depending on the symptoms, their intensity and the needs of each person.

In addition to the use of drugs to relieve symptoms, it is also essential to resort to other alternatives, such as physiotherapy and pilates, for example, in order to help strengthen muscles and protect cartilage, lose weight, practice physical activities, focus on adjustments in posture, and prefer a diet with anti-inflammatory properties, rich in vegetables, seeds and fish.

Arthrosis, or osteoarthritis, is a disease that degenerates the body's cartilages, and it is common to affect places such as the knees, hands, spine and hips. Learn more about how to identify and what to do to control the disease.

The main drugs used to treat osteoarthritis are:

1. Painkillers

Paracetamol (Tylenol) is the main analgesic used to relieve the pain of arthrosis, and should be taken up to 4 times a day, or according to medical advice, being generally sufficient to allow the performance of daily activities. This medication must be prescribed by the doctor and used according to the intensity of the symptoms of each person.

Opioids, on the other hand, such as codeine (Codein) and tramadol (Tramal), for example, are more potent analgesics, used in cases where the pain is very intense or that does not improve with common analgesics. The stronger version of opioids, such as morphine, oxycodone and methadone, for example, are also an option for those who suffer from very intense and limiting pain.

There are also combinations of paracetamol with opioids, which can also be used, under medical guidance, as is the case of the Paco remedies, with paracetamol and codeine, and the Ultracet remedy, with paracetamol and tramadol.

2. Anti-inflammatories

Anti-inflammatory drugs such as diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), ibuprofen (Alivium) or naproxen (Flanax), for example, which can be taken in pill or injection form, are options to be used in times of crisis, only with prescription This is because, if used too often, they can cause side effects, such as gastric ulcer and kidney failure.

3. Glucosamine and chondroitin

Cartilage supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin (Condroflex) are used to help regenerate and maintain joint elasticity and lubrication, with good results in some people.

4. Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids, such as prednisone (Meticorten), may be options in some cases of constant pain associated with chronic inflammation, and should only be used under medical advice. Corticosteroids can also be injected directly into the joints by the doctor, every 3 or 6 months, helping to control inflammation and pain at the site.

Another injectable treatment option is hyaluronic acid, which helps to reduce pain and improve joint mobility.

5. Ointments

Topical medications, such as anti-inflammatory in ointment or capsaicin are options to pass on the inflamed site, helping to reduce pain and discomfort, and can be used 3 to 4 times a day, for up to about 20 days, under medical guidance, avoiding or reducing the need for oral medications.

Ultimately, when symptoms are very intense and do not improve with natural remedies and treatments, it may be necessary to perform surgery, which can remove inflamed parts or replace damaged cartilage. Learn more about the other treatment options for osteoarthritis.

Natural treatment options

Home treatment for osteoarthritis is done as a way to help the treatment indicated by the doctor, never replacing it, to speed up the recovery of pain and inflammation, or be an option for those people who have few symptoms or just want to prevent it. It consists of:

• Perform physical activities, preferably swimming or water aerobics; Do physiotherapy and pilates exercises, at least twice a week, guided by the physiotherapist; Be careful with posture and use aids for movement, such as supports, ramps and handrails, at home and at work, by the physiotherapist and occupational therapist; Massage with essential oils that help to deflate, such as ginger, lavender or basil; Use alternative techniques, such as acupuncture, which can help the treatment of some people, helping to control pain and discomfort.

There are also foods with anti-inflammatory properties, rich in omega-3, antioxidants, calcium and proteins, which can be adopted in the daily diet to help fight inflammation, with fish, seeds, citrus fruits, berries, vegetables, coconut oil and olive oil, for example. In addition, some teas can be prepared with plants with anti-inflammatory properties, such as rosemary and sucupira, as a way to complement the treatment, as directed by the doctor.

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