Osteoarthritis is a degenerative form of arthritis that can break the cushions in a person’s knee joints, causing swelling, discomfort, and intense pain. Due to the presence of osteoarthritis, the bones start to rub against each other, resulting in inflammation.
Physical activity involving the movement of muscles and joints can lessen the damage in the joints and relieve the pain that a person gets from arthritis. Any exercise that results in flexibility can help a person struggling with osteoarthritis since exercises can lubricate the joints.
There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but a person can opt for several treatment options to lower the damage. Additionally, the treatment options for osteoarthritis can vary from person to person according to the impact of the condition and their medical history in general. Hence, if you are suffering from osteoarthritis, you can contact Hui Kang MD for effective treatment.
Here are some of the available treatment options for osteoarthritis:
- Topical pain relievers
A doctor might recommend pain relievers such as effective gels, creams, or even ointments for the pain from the joints to subside. It can also reduce the stiffness caused by the joints. Menthol, Salicylates, and Capsaicin are some common pain relievers for osteoarthritis.
- HA injections
Hyaluronic acids are naturally present in a person, but osteoarthritis patients may have hyaluronic acids at a lower level so that a doctor may inject them into the affected joint. It results in increased mobility, and the joint gets lubricated.
- Electrical nerve stimulation
Doctors claim that the stimulation procedure is an effective treatment. In a nerve stimulation treatment, the electrical impulses sent by electrodes will lessen the pain caused by osteoarthritis.
- Steroid injections
Like HA injections, doctors may suggest steroid injections like corticosteroids and glucocorticoids, which will be directly injected into the affected joints due to osteoarthritis. Although excessive steroid injections can result in impactful side effects, they can give short-term relief. Hence, steroid injections are given as a treatment for OA only for temporary relief.
Therefore, there are several treatment options for an osteoarthritis patient. Usually, doctors recommend lifestyle changes, exercises, and a healthy diet along with the treatment.
So, medical treatment and lifestyle habits go hand in hand for a person struggling with osteoarthritis. If you see any early signs of osteoarthritis, consulting a doctor immediately is recommended so that you can avoid future complications and intensity of the pain that may arise.
