Millions of Americans suffer from osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint condition associated with joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While surgery is one possible treatment for severe arthritis and badly damaged joints, it’s no secret that most — if not all — OA patients would like to avoid an operation whenever possible.
At Powell Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Thomas E. Powell, MD, offers state-of-the-art therapies for arthritis, including surgical and nonsurgical options. To mark Arthritis Awareness Month, Dr. Powell and his team offer five simple strategies that can help you manage your OA symptoms while delaying or even potentially avoiding the need for surgery.
OA happens when wear and tear on joint surfaces begins to break down the protective layer of cartilage, causing inflammation and pain. While medications can’t cure OA, they can help reduce pain and inflammation that limits joint use.
Over-the-counter and prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen, target both inflammation and the pain it causes. Acetaminophen can also be effective in managing pain, and so can topical products containing capsaicin when applied to the skin surrounding the joint.
As with any medicine, arthritis medicines can cause side effects, especially when taken for a long period or at increasing doses. That’s why it’s important to see Dr. Powell regularly to make sure your treatment remains on track while minimizing the risk of complications.
Physical therapy can be an especially effective tool for managing the symptoms of OA and improving overall mobility. Your therapist will work with you to develop a plan of exercise and stretches designed to gently improve joint function without causing additional irritation.
In addition to exercises, your therapist may use massage or hot-and-cold therapy to relieve stiffness and pain. Posture-related exercises improve both balance and mobility while relieving strain on your weight-bearing joints. And of course, your therapist can recommend low-impact activities you can do on your own in addition to on-site therapy.
Physical therapy can be used on its own or in combination with other therapies to maximize your results. Regular visits enable your therapist to adjust your therapy plan as needed to keep your symptoms under control.
Joint injections are designed to deliver medications and lubricating fluids directly to the joint space for targeted relief of pain and inflammation. Corticosteroid injections can be especially effective in relieving inflammation that contributes to cartilage destruction and pain.
Some patients benefit from injections of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance that helps lubricate joints, reducing friction and improving joint function. In addition to providing targeted relief, joint injections can be repeated as needed to provide long-term relief of pain and stiffness.
If you’re overweight, dropping those extra pounds can provide significant relief for joint pain affecting your weight-bearing joints, like your hips, knees, and spine joints. Even a modest loss of 5%-10% of excess weight can yield significant benefits when it comes to protecting your joints and relieving OA symptoms.
Losing weight also helps reduce inflammation in your joints and elsewhere in your body, and it makes it easier and more comfortable to stay active. Weight loss can also improve your sleep, providing your joints with the rest they need to repair underlying damage.
OA can take a toll on your daily routine, too, interfering with simple activities, like walking, lifting, and even sitting. Pain and stiffness can make it harder to exercise and stay active, leading to additional joint stiffness and pain.
Dr. Powell and your physical therapist can help you learn simple techniques for modifying your regular daily activities so you put less strain on your joints. Incorporating activity modification strategies into your daily routine can help you continue to lead an active lifestyle while still making joint health a priority.
Living with OA can be challenging, but with the right treatment plan in place, you can protect your joints and avoid or delay the need for surgery. To learn how we can help you manage your OA more effectively, request an appointment online or over the phone with Powell Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, today.
