Treatment of Osteoarthritis
	There is no cure for OA but early diagnosis is important to prevent deterioration. Treatment plan often include ways to manage pain and improve joint function. Such plans can involve :-

1. Exercise -  will improve mood and outlook, decrease pain, increase flexibility, improve the heart and blood flow, maintain weight, and promote general physical fitness, Exercise is also inexpensive and, if done correctly, has few negative side effects.

2. Rest and joint care – Learn to recognize the body’s signals, and know when to stop or slow down. Some patients find that relaxation techniques, stress reduction, and biofeedback helps. Some use canes ad splints to take pressure off joints. Splints or braces provide extra support for weakened joints. They also keep the joint in proper position during sleep or activity. Splints should be used only for limited periods because joints and muscles need to be exercised to prevent stiffness and weakness. An occupational therapist can help you get a properly fitting splint.

3. Nondrug pain relief – Warm towels, hot packs, cold packs or a warm bath or shower can relieve pain and stiffness. Water therapy in a heated pool also may relieve pain and stiffness. Fir knee osteoarthritis, patients may wear insoles or cushioned shoes to redistribute weight and reduce joint stress.

4. Weight Control – Patients with OA who are overweight or obese need to lose weight to reduce stress or weight-bearing joints and limit further injury.

5. Medicines – before taking, please see the doctor first to determine the severity of the pain and the potential side effects of the drugs. Commonly used drugs for OA are :

·        Pracetamol : it is a pain reliever (eg. Panadol) that does not irritate the stomach and is likely to cause long term side effects. It is not for people with liver disease, who drink alcohol heavily, or those taking blood-thinning medicines or NSAIDs.

·        NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-flammatory drugs): Many NSAIDs are used to treat osteoarthritis. Patients can buy some over the counter (for example, aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen). Others require a prescription. All NSAIDs work similarly; they relieve pain and are mild anti-inflammatories.

About this website

The information of the website is adopted from Arthritis Foundation Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the purpose of educating the public on the Osteoarthritis.

All care is taken to ensure that the information is accurate, the authors and the publishes cannot be held liable for any loss or harm suffered by any person, by any reason of information contained in this website or any inaccuracies, omissions or misrepresentations in any article in this website.

Readers are at all times cautioned to consult a suitable qualified medical practitioner before acting on any information contained in this website.