LIFESTYLE CHANGES
Exercise helps maintain joint and overall movement. Ask your health care provider to recommend an appropriate home exercise routine. Water exercises, such as swimming, are especially helpful.
Applying heat and cold, protecting the joints, using self-help devices, and rest are all recommended.
Good nutrition and careful weight control are also important. If you're overweight, losing weight will reduce the strain on the knee and ankle joints.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical therapy can help improve muscle strength and the motion at stiff joints. Therapists have many techniques for treating osteoarthritis. If therapy does not make you feel better after 3-6 weeks, then it likely will not work at all.
BRACES
Splints and braces can sometimes support weakened joints. Some prevent the joint from moving; others allow some movement. You should use a brace only when your doctor or therapist recommends one. Using a brace the wrong way can cause joint damage, stiffness, and pain.
SURGERY
Severe cases of osteoarthritis might need surgery to replace or repair damaged joints. Surgical options include:
· Total or partial replacement of the damaged joint with an artificial joint (knee arthroplasty, hip arthroplasty )
· Arthroscopic surgery to trim torn and damaged cartilage and wash out the joint
· Cartilage restoration to replace the damaged or missing cartilage in some younger patents with arthritis
· Change in the alignment of a bone to relieve stress on the bone or joint (osteotomy)
· Surgical fusion of bones, usually in the spine (arthodesis)
Outlook (Prognosis)
Your movement may become very limited. However Treatment generally improves function.
Possible Complications
· Decreased ability to walk
· Decreased ability to perform everyday activities, such as personal hygiene, household chores, or cooking
· Adverse reactions to drugs used for treatment
· Surgical complications
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Do contact your health care provider if you feel that you have symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Prevention
*Weight loss can reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis in overweight women.
Terry O'Brien
Back Trouble UK
BackTrouble.co.uk.
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