What are the treatment options for osteoarthritis?
There’s no one-size-fits-all cure for osteoarthritis, but there are numerous treatments and lifestyle changes that can help manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life, as Health Direct explains.
Your healthcare provider can help develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, but here are some common strategies:
Physical therapy
According to Arthritis Foundation, physical therapy is a cornerstone of osteoarthritis management. It involves targeted exercises designed to strengthen the muscles surrounding the affected joints, which can help improve mobility, reduce pain, and prevent further joint damage.
A physiotherapist can work with you to create a personalised exercise plan that fits your capabilities and goals. These exercises also help maintain joint flexibility, which is crucial for long-term management.
For example, people with knee osteoarthritis often benefit from strengthening exercises that support the muscles around the knee joint, helping to reduce stress on the joint itself.
In addition, activities like swimming or water aerobics are low-impact and can improve flexibility without putting unnecessary strain on your joints.
Increasing physical activity
Arthritis Queensland explains that regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to manage osteoarthritis.
Not only does it help maintain joint flexibility and muscle strength, but it can also improve your overall health, reducing inflammation and promoting weight loss, which can alleviate pressure on weight-bearing joints.
Low-impact activities such as walking, cycling, and swimming are ideal for people with osteoarthritis, as they allow you to stay active without putting too much strain on your joints.
In particular, swimming can be beneficial as the water supports your body weight, reducing the stress on your joints while still allowing you to move and strengthen muscles.
Physical activity doesn’t just benefit your joints—it also releases endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers, which can help improve your mood and reduce discomfort.
Weight loss
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for managing osteoarthritis, as suggested by Arthritis Queensland.
Excess weight puts additional pressure on your joints, particularly those in the knees, hips, and lower back, which can exacerbate symptoms. By losing weight, you can reduce the stress on these joints, improve your mobility, and decrease pain.
If you’re looking to lose weight, it’s important to choose low-impact exercises that won’t strain your joints. Walking, cycling, swimming, and yoga are all excellent choices for people with osteoarthritis.
Incorporating these activities into your daily routine can help manage your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
Medications
According to Health Direct, in some cases, medications may be necessary to manage the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.
Over-the-counter pain relievers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be helpful for mild to moderate pain.
For more severe symptoms, your doctor may recommend prescription medications, such as stronger pain relievers or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.
It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the best treatment options for your situation.
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any medications, as they will help determine the most effective and appropriate treatment for your specific needs.
Surgery
According to Arthritis Australia, in more advanced cases of osteoarthritis, surgery may be required to restore joint function and reduce pain.
Joint replacement surgery, such as a hip or knee replacement, can significantly improve mobility and quality of life for people with severe osteoarthritis. However, surgery is typically considered a last resort, after other treatments have been exhausted.
If you are considering surgery, it’s essential to have a detailed discussion with your healthcare provider to weigh the potential benefits and risks.
Surgery can be life-changing for some people, but it’s important to ensure it’s the right decision for you.
Supportive devices
Arthritis Queensland suggests that for some people, using supportive devices like canes, crutches, or braces can help manage osteoarthritis symptoms by reducing stress on the affected joints and improving mobility.
These devices can also help prevent falls, which is especially important for people with osteoarthritis who may experience balance issues.
Using a cane or walker can provide extra stability, allowing you to move with more confidence and reducing the risk of further joint damage.
It’s important to choose the right supportive device for your needs, and your physiotherapist or doctor can help guide you in making the right choice.
Are you struggling with osteoarthritis in the workplace?
Living with osteoarthritis can pose challenges in the workplace, but with the right accommodations, it’s possible to continue working and thriving in your job.
If you are finding it difficult to manage osteoarthritis at work, you might be able to get support from APM and Disability Employment Services.
Through the government-funded program we help eligible people with disability, injury, or health conditions, find and keep meaningful employment.
Whether it’s accessing workplace accommodations, adjusting your job duties, or finding a new position that better suits your needs, if you’re eligible, we’re here to help.
Everyone’s experience with osteoarthritis is unique, and workplace accommodations should be tailored to your specific needs.
With the right adjustments and support, work doesn’t have to be a struggle.
In a previous blog, Top 3 benefits of work for people with osteoarthritis, we discussed how meaningful employment can improve mental wellbeing, provide structure, and help you stay physically active—all of which can contribute to managing osteoarthritis symptoms.
