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The goals of treatment are to relieve pain, maintain or improve joint mobility, increase the strength of the joints, and minimize the disabling affects of the disease. The specific treatment depends on which joints are involved.
MEDICATIONS
The most common type of medication used to treat osteoarthritis are nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They are common pain relievers that reduce pain and swelling. Types include aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Anaprox).
Although NSAIDs work well, long-term use of these drugs can cause stomach problems, such as ulcers and bleeding. In April 2005, the FDA asked manufacturers of NSAIDs to include a warning label on their product that alerts users of an increased risk for cardiovascular events (heart attacks and strokes) and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Other medications used to treat OA include:
- COX-2 inhibitors (coxibs). Coxibs block an inflammation-promoting enzyme called COX-2. This class of drugs was initially believed to work as well as traditional NSAIDs, but with fewer stomach problems. However, numerous reports of heart attacks and stroke have prompted the FDA to re-evaluate the risks and benefits of the COX-2s. Rofecoxib (Vioxx) and valdecoxib (Bextra) have been withdrawn from the U.S. market following reports of heart attacks in some patients taking the drugs. Celecoxib (Celebrex) was still available at the time of this report, but labeled with strong warnings and a recommendation that it be prescribed at the lowest possible dose for the shortest duration possible. Patients should ask their doctor whether the drug is appropriate and safe for them.
- Steroids. These medications are injected directly into the joint. They may also be used to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Supplements. Many people are helped by over-the-counter remedies like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. There is some evidence that these supplements are helpful in controlling pain, although they do not appear to grow new cartilage.
- Artificial joint fluid (Synvisc, Hyalgan). These medications can be injected into the knee, They may relieve pain for up to six months.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES
Exercise helps maintain joint and overall mobility. Ask your health care provider to recommend an appropriate home exercise routine. Water exercises, such as swimming, are especially helpful.
Heat and cold treatments, protection of the joints, the use of self-help devices and rest are all recommended.
Good nutrition and careful weight control are also important. Weight loss for overweight individuals will reduce the strain placed on the knee and ankle joints.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical therapy can be useful to improve muscle strength and the motion at stiff joints. Therapists have many techniques for treating osteoarthritis. If therapy does not make you feel better after 3-6 weeks, then it will likely will not work at all.
SURGERY
Surgery to replace or repair damaged joints may be needed in severe, debilitating cases. Surgical options include:
- Arthroplasty (total or partial replacement of the deteriorated joint with an artificial joint -- see knee arthroplasty, hip arthroplasty)
- Arthroscopic surgery to trim torn and damaged cartilage and wash out the joint
- For some younger patents with arthritis, cartilage restoration is a surgical option to replace the damaged or missing cartilage
- Osteotomy (change in the alignment of a bone to relieve stress on the bone or joint)
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Arthrodesis (surgical fusion of bones, usually in the spine)
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