The treatment for arthrosis can be done with the use of medications, physical therapy, exercise and in the most severe cases when the symptoms last making life difficult for the person, surgery may be indicated, but in the latter case.
Usually the symptoms are well controlled with anti-inflammatory tablets such as ibuprofen but as these should not be taken for more than 7 days for causing stomach pain, your doctor may still recommend the daily application of anti-inflammatory ointments to pass on the site pain.
Physical therapy is a great ally and is useful for pain relief, reduction of swelling, noise when moving the joint and improvement of function, being indicated for all people. When combined with medications are very effective in relieving pain and improving function.
Thus, treatments available for arthrosis include:
1. Remedies for arthritis
Medication for arthrosis can be done by taking analgesic and anti-inflammatory medicines, such as Paracetamol, Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Naproxen, to relieve pain and swelling of joints or the application of Moment or Voltaren ointment. Another medicine used in arthrosis is Artrolive or Condroflex which contain two substances that help to regenerate the cartilage of the joints, protecting them from degeneration. Learn more at: Remedy for Arthritis.
When these medicines combined with physical therapy do not have the expected effect and the pain is incapacitating, the doctor may prescribe an infiltration with anesthetic, corticoid or hyaluronic acid directly into the affected joint. Learn more at: Infiltration in the knee relieves pain and improves movement.
2. Physiotherapy for arthrosis
Physiotherapy treatment for arthrosis aims to reduce pain and discomfort through the use of physiotherapy devices, thermal resources such as heat or ice packs, and mobilization and strengthening exercises. This prevents the cartilage from being further destroyed, increasing the intra-articular space through exercises and mobilizations. Learn how arthrosis physical therapy can be done by clicking here.
Strengthening the muscles that surround the affected joint is paramount for this joint to be a little more protected and cause less pain and therefore it is recommended to practice the exercises indicated by the physiotherapist, both in the clinic and at home. Get to know some exercises for knee arthrosis.
Cycling on the treadmill and doing Pilates are also good choices for when there is no pain for strength maintenance, being helpful in decreasing the early return of symptoms.
3. Surgery for arthrosis
Surgery is indicated when the use of medications and physical therapy were insufficient to alleviate the pain and limitation that the individual presents. It should always be the last therapeutic option as it may leave permanent sequelae such as loss of range of motion of the affected joint.
The surgery can be done to scrape the affected tissue or to replace part or all of the joint. After the procedure the person still needs to undergo physiotherapy for a few more weeks until the tissue is completely healed and there is no need to use crutches or other devices to aid movement and until the person is able to perform his daily activities normally.
4. Natural treatment for arthritis
A good natural treatment for arthrosis is the tea consumption of sucupira seeds, as this medicinal plant has a calming and regenerating effect of the joints, being useful to complement the clinical and physiotherapeutic treatment. For tea it is recommended to boil 12 seeds of sucupira crushed in a liter of water and drink several times during the day.
Another way to use sucupira for arthrosis is to ingest its capsules. Learn how to use effects in: Sucupira in capsules.
5. Home treatment for arthritis
A good home treatment for osteoarthritis is to place a bag of hot water on the affected joint when it hurts. To achieve the same goal by placing a bundle of stuffed cloth with heated sesame seeds or linseed in the microwave over the joint to decrease pain and discomfort. It is recommended to leave it on for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. See more options in: Home remedy for osteoarthritis.
Signs of improvement and worsening
The reduction of swelling, pain and improvement of function are the first signs of improvement in osteoarthritis, but with the permanence of these symptoms, it is evident the worsening of the condition, and it is necessary to investigate what may be happening through imaging tests such as lightning- x or magnetic resonance imaging.
Complications of arthritis
Complications arise when the treatment is not performed, with an increase in pain intensity and frequency. This may indicate a progression of arthrosis, with a larger area affected, and sometimes only surgery to place a prosthesis may bring relief from the symptoms.
Caring for arthrosis
Whatever the treatment chosen by the physician and the patient in agreement, it is essential that the individual follow some recommendations to potentiate the treatment, such as:
- Lose weight if you are overweight ideal for your height and age;
- Eat healthily, giving preference to the consumption of anti-inflammatory foods;
- Drink plenty of water, to help lubricate the joints and flexibility of skin and muscles;
- Rest whenever you feel pain in the joints;
- Avoid making efforts;
- Wear suitable clothes and shoes that are light and comfortable.
In addition, it is recommended to avoid repetitive movements with the diseased joint. For example, anyone who has arthrosis on hands or fingers should avoid knitting, crocheting, or washing clothes by hand, and anyone who has arthrosis on the spine should avoid climbing stairs or getting up and down at all times.
