9 Common Treatments for Osteoarthritis

Common Treatments for Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is more than just a sign of aging; it is a chronic condition that affects millions of people, limiting their ability to move and enjoy life. You may wonder If it is treatable and what are the most common treatments of OA.

Over-The-Counter Medications For Osteoarthritis

Over-the-counter drugs are regarded as the first line of defense for controlling osteoarthritis. Many individuals rely on these easily accessible medicines for symptom alleviation without a prescription. These medicines are convenient, inexpensive, and frequently used by people in the early phase of osteoarthritis.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is a popular over-the-counter medicine for osteoarthritis. It is particularly beneficial for people who cannot take NSAIDS due to its gastrointestinal effects. Acetaminophen helps to reduce pain, although it should be noted that it doesn’t treat the progression of disease.

Although acetaminophen can assist in moderate pain, research suggests that it is less helpful for more severe symptoms when compared to other treatments for osteoarthritis.

Topical Creams for Osteoarthritis

Many individuals also opt for topical creams and ointments containing salicylates, capsaicin, or menthol because of their convenience. These ointments function by desensitizing the nerve endings in the afflicted joint.

Capsaicin which is produced from chili peppers, has been demonstrated in clinical tests to lessen OA pain by depleting pain neurotransmitter substance P.(2) It is a simple targeted therapy that avoids the systemic adverse effects of oral drugs.

NSAIDs for Osteoarthritis

Non-steroidal inflammatory drugs are regarded as one of the most effective treatments for the pain and inflammation associated with 0A. These drugs act by lowering the body’s synthesis of prostaglandins which increase inflammation.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen, which is sold under the brand names Advil or Motrin, is among the most used NSAIDs for osteoarthritis. Studies have shown that it efficiently lowers joint pain and swelling.

(3) A large-scale meta-analysis found that when administered correctly, ibuprofen provides much more pain alleviation for osteoarthritis patients than placebo treatments.

Naproxen

Naproxen is another common NSAID that offers long-term pain relief. Some people prefer it since it involves free dosages throughout the day. Research has shown that naproxen is useful in lowering pain and increasing joint function in those with moderate to severe OA.

COX-2 Inhibitors

COX-2 Inhibitors such as celecoxib provide a safe alternative to standard NSAIDs for people who cannot tolerate the GI adverse effects of NSAIDs. COX-2 Inhibitors selectively block the enzyme that causes inflammation without blocking the COX-1 enzyme.

Thus, they do not harm GI mucosa. Therefore, they are excellent for long-term usage. They also possess a lower risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.

Prescription Drugs

For people with severe pain, over-the-counter medicines and supplements may not be sufficient. prescription medicines such as corticosteroids, disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs, and hyaluronic acid injections can provide more effective pain relief and joint protection.

Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections offer strong, targeted relief for people suffering from severe OA pain. These injections function by decreasing inflammation inside the joints. Clinical studies have found that corticosteroid injections dramatically decrease pain and improve mobility over twelve weeks. (4)

However, repeated usage can harm the cartilage. Thus, this approach is usually reserved for people with severe pain who have not responded to conventional osteoarthritis therapies.

Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the synovial cavity of the joint. Synthetic hyaluronic acid injections like Euflexxa, Hyalgan, and Synvisc are intended to lubricate the joint, improve mobility, and relieve pain. According to research, hyaluronic acid injections can offer good pain relief. (5)

Supplements

Many people use supplements in addition to medicines to treat osteoarthritis. While not all supplements have solid clinical evidence, several have shown potential in reducing OA symptoms.

Fish Oil

Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have powerful anti-inflammatory qualities and are popular for treating OA. A review of clinical research indicates that fish oil can help in reducing joint stiffness and pain in OA patients. (6)

Its ability to control the inflammatory response makes it an important component of comprehensive treatment of osteoarthritis plan. Omega 3 fatty acids have also been proven to promote overall joint health and decrease disease progression by lowering cartilage degeneration. (7)

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Glucosamine and chondroitin are the two most extensively researched compounds for osteoarthritis. They are naturally present in joint cartilage and are believed to aid in the healing and maintaining healthy joints. Some studies show that these supplements help alleviate pain and improve joint mobility.

Hope for the Future: New Treatments for Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs are a novel class of drugs that attempt to decrease the course of OA rather than simply treat symptoms.(8) While still in the early phase of research, these medications hold promise in changing the course of the illness by protecting joint cartilage from additional damage.

Clinical trials are still underway, but early findings indicate that DMOADS may become a valuable part of the treatments of osteoarthritis in the near future.

Role of Physiotherapy and Lifestyle Changes

Although medicines and supplements are critical for treating osteoarthritis symptoms, exercise and lifestyle modifications are also significant components of the overall treatment of osteoarthritis.

Low Impact Exercise

Low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, and cycling can help maintain joint mobility while putting minimal load on the joints. Regular exercise also helps to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints, which improves stability and relieves pain.

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for controlling osteoarthritis, especially in weight- bearing joints such as knees and hips.(9) Every pound of excess weight increases strain on the joints, hastening cartilage deterioration. Losing just 10 pounds would relieve 40 pounds of pressure from your knees.

Conclusion

Managing osteoarthritis necessitates a complex strategy that includes drugs, supplements, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. There are various treatments for osteoarthritis that can offer significant relief, including over-the-counter pain medications and NSAIDs, as well as supplements like fish oil and glucosamine.

The efficacy of treatments for osteoarthritis can vary depending on the severity of the disease and the individual’s specific needs, but with the correct combination of therapy, symptoms can be managed.

References

1. CDC. (2024). Osteoarthritis. Retrieved from CDC:
   https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/osteoarthritis/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/types/osteoarthritis.htm
   
2. Guedes, V. (2016). Topical capsaicin for pain in osteoarthritis: A literature review. Reumatol Clin (Engl Ed).
3. M.D, R. D. (1984). Review of Ibuprofen for Osteoarthritis. The American Journal of Medicine.
4. Baker, J. F. (2023). Corticosteroid Injections for Symptomatic Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Pilot Blinded Randomized Trial. ACR Open Rheumatol.
5. David Zelman, M. (2023). Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Osteoarthritis. Retrieved from WebMD:
   https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/hyaluronic-acid-injections-for-osteoarthritis
   
6. Kuszewski, J. C. (2020). Fish oil supplementation reduces osteoarthritis-specific pain in older adults with overweight/obesity. Rheumatol Adv Practice.
7. Cordingley, D. M. (2022). Omega-3 Fatty Acids for the Management of Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review. Nutrients.
8. Cho, Y. (2021). Disease-modifying therapeutic strategies in osteoarthritis: current status and future directions. Experimental & Molecular Medicine.
9. Arthritis Foundation. (2020). How Fat Affects Osteoarthritis. Retrieved from Arthritis Foundation:
   https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/related-conditions/other-diseases/how-fat-affects-osteoarthritis