The symptoms of osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, are well known – mainly pain, swelling, and limited function of certain joints caused by deterioration and inflammation of the bones in the joint. The prevalence of osteoarthritis tends to grow as we get older, especially in the hands, spine, hips, and knees. Because of the commonality of the symptoms, some are prone to self-diagnose, and in turn self-treat their condition.
It's always best to consult your doctor or a medical professional for conditions that cause pain or limit your functionality, but it's possible to successfully treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis on your own.
“It's human nature to want to treat certain chronic conditions at home," says
Dinesh Thawrani, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with
The Christ Hospital Physicians – Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. “But some options are safer or more effective than others, so it's important to know what those are, as well as to know when you should consult with your doctor."
Medications for pain and relief of inflammation
The easiest way to find relief for the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis is through over-the-counter medications. The two most common types are:
General pain relievers such as acetaminophen, most commonly sold as Tylenol, that provide temporary pain relief and limited relief of inflamation.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) that relieve pain while also providing temporary relief of inflammation. The most common are ibuprofen, often sold as Advil, and naproxen, often sold as Aleve.
While over-the-counter medications for pain and inflammation are safe and effective when used in moderation, Dr. Thawrani warns that there is a risk if you take too much or for too long, Dr. Thawrani warns.
“Taking them as directed for four or five days for temporary relief is fine," she says, “but if you take them full time for a month or so, they can damage your internal organs such as your liver and kidneys."
According to Dr. Thawrani, there are also topical over-the-counter options that can be applied to the skin to relieve pain and inflammation. Some creams utilize a topical NSAID. Others contain a warming or cooling agent such as menthol, that can provide temporary relief.
“If you find that the heat helps your symptoms, you can use remedies such as heating pads or warm compresses," Dr. Thawrani adds. “These can help to relax and loosen the muscles around the joint and relieve inflammation."
The importance of exercise and stretching
Dr. Thawrani says the best thing you can do to alleviate pain and inflammation in your joints is to keep them loose and to strengthen the muscles around them through regular exercise and stretching.
“Strength and flexibility are very important for supporting your joints," he says. “For example, your hamstring and quadriceps are really helpful in supporting your knee."
He recommends learning stretches and exercises that can easily be done at home.
“If you are not sure what to do, you may benefit from a one-time visit with a licensed physical therapist to learn how to safely stretch the joints," he says, “After that, in most cases, you should be able to manage on your own."
Dr. Thawrani adds that other regular physical activity that keeps you moving and active can also help with flexibility and strength. He specifies that these should be low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, and riding a bike, rather than running or other high-impact activities that put unnecessary stress on your joints.
Staying active can also help with another important factor for alleviating the symptoms of osteoarthritis - weight management.
“It can be a challenging topic to address, especially when pain and the lack of mobility make it tougher to be active," Dr. Thawrani says. “But the fact is, heavier weight puts more stress on your joints. If you are over your optimal weight, even losing a little at a time can help. Every step you take adds the impact of that extra weight all over again. It really adds up, so controlling your weight saves a lot of wear and tear on your joints."
Supplements and diet for joint pain and joint health
Pharmacy and grocery store shelves are stocked with supplements which promote their ability to provide relief for osteoarthritis and other joint-related conditions. The most common are glucosamine and chondroitin, which are often sold and taken together as one oral supplement. Dr. Thawrani says that there is some evidence that these supplements can be helpful for long-term joint health, but that there is not enough medical evidence to recommend them for relief of existing symptoms of osteoarthritis.
“They are generally safe to take, and they may help maintain the long-term health of already healthy joints," he says, “but I advise patients who ask me against any expectations of immediately relief. There is simply not enough real evidence."
He adds that these and other unproven supplements do come with one significant downside.
“They can be quite expensive," he says. “You may end up paying a lot for a product with little proven impact for osteoarthritis relief."
He also adds that because most over-the-counter supplements don't have oversight from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there's no way to really know how much of a product you are actually getting, nor the specific ingredients, no matter what is included on the label.
You diet is proven to have an impact on joint inflammation, positive or negative, Dr. Thawrani points out. He recommends using the spice turmeric when cooking for its known anti-inflammatory properties. He also suggests plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, nuts, and foods rich in Omega3 fatty acids.
On the other hand, there are plenty of foods known to increase the risk of inflammation. These include processed food such as commercial baked goods and prepackaged meals, red meat, foods containing refined grains and sugars, and deep-fried food.
“If you want to be sure, of what you should and shouldn't eat, consider a one-time consultation with a nutritionist," he says. “That's a small cost that could help you for a long time."
When and why to see a doctor
Some people with osteoarthritis are determined to stay active on their own in spite of their symptoms through the use of assistive devices such as a cane, walker, brace, or compression sleeve, depending on the location of their condition. While these are readily available to anybody, Dr. Thawrani suggests that if you reach the point of needing them, it's a sign that it's time to seek medical assistance.
“There are basically three symptoms for osteoarthritis," he says. “Those are pain, swelling, and your ability to function normally. When one or both of the first two impact the third, or if you can't function without assistance, you should probably talk to a doctor."
Your doctor can help you access testing to confirm your diagnosis or determine if there is something else going on. They can also help you tailor your treatments and activities to minimize symptoms and provide more relief. They can also offer a broader range of treatment options that are only available through medical providers.
Treatment options often include non-surgical options such as supervised physical therapy, prescription medications, custom braces, and injections that can reduce swelling; alleviate pain; and lubricate the joints.
Surgical treatments range from minimally invasive procedures that can smooth out rough spots or remove cysts; damaged cartilage; or bone fragments, to total replacement of the diseased joints.
“If what you are doing works for you, that's great, and you should continue to do it," Dr. Thawrani says. “But if that is no longer the case, it's good to talk to an orthopaedic specialist who can help you explore other treatment options and determine the right care plan for you. Even if you aren't ready for more advanced treatments, it can't hurt to consult with a doctor to get answers for any questions you may have."
Click to learn more about our joint and spine services
at The Christ Hospital Health Network.