Top 3 Osteoarthritis Treatments

Osteoarthritis is an extremely common kind of arthritis that affects many people each and every year across the globe. Osteoarthritis is a condition that is largely a result of aging and being overweight. There is no definitive cure for the condition, yet there are many treatments for osteoarthritis that can be utilised to ease, comfort and allow for those suffering to live as normal as possible.

It is important if you are suffering from osteoarthritis or think you may have any kind of arthritis condition, to visit your local GP. Any questions or worries should be directed towards your GP as they are qualified to diagnose and help suggest the right treatment for you. This article only aims to outline 3 common osteoarthritis treatments, each individual is different, and therefore the success of treatments will vary from person to person.

The first form of osteoarthritis treatment is one that will be recommended by most GP's and is the easiest to commit to, exercise. Good regular exercise is the simplest but most important form of treatment for osteoarthritis. This exercise should aim to strengthen muscles surrounding your joints, and improve over all fitness. Most people think that by exercising they will only make their symptoms worse. However, by building up the muscles that surround each joint symptoms can be vastly improved and pain reduced. You should always consult your doctor or physiotherapist as to which forms of exercises you should participate in. They will help identify those forms of exercise that will help improve your condition. Generally swimming, cycling and running are good forms of osteoarthritis treatment, as they help encourage muscle growth, improve posture and help with weight loss.

Osteoarthritis is common among those who are overweight or suffer from obesity. If your doctor diagnosis this as the cause of your condition then they will recommend that you lose weight. Weight loss can have a dramatic effect on the symptoms experienced by osteoarthritis, by reducing the amount of pressure and strain placed on the joints. As mentioned previously a great way to lose weight and at the same time strengthen muscles that help support your joints, is through exercise. Speak to your doctor about creating an exercise plan that will best help you.

Finally there are lots of medicines that can be used as osteoarthritis treatment. These range from painkillers to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and intra-articular injections. It is extremely important to discuss any of these options with a qualified GP. Many GP's will recommend using painkillers such as over the counter Paracetamol to help ease pain. If pain persists or increases then your GP may prescribe stronger painkillers. This could include anti-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). These can be prescribed as creams that are applied directly to the affected joints and help to ease pain and discomfort.

Finally for more severe cases of osteoarthritis, you may be put forward for an intra-articular injection. This is when medicine is injected straight into the parts of the body that are affected. This will help reduce swelling and pain, and can be an effective form of osteoarthritis treatment.

There are many forms of treatment for conditions such as arthritis and osteoarthritis. If you are suffering from any pain or discomfort then you should make an appointment with your local GP as soon as possible.