(Courtesy of Parkview Pharmacy) Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. This leads to pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced joint flexibility. It commonly affects weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, spine and hands.

Management of Osteoarthritis

While OA cannot be cured, several strategies can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life:

Lifestyle Modifications:

Weight Management: Reducing excess weight can lessen stress on joints, particularly the knees and hips.

Exercise: Low-impact activities like walking, swimming and cycling help maintain joint mobility and strengthen muscles that support joints.

Joint Protection: Avoid repetitive stress on affected joints and use assistive devices like braces or orthotic shoe inserts.

Medications:

Pain Relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help manage pain.

Topical Treatments: Gels, creams or patches with NSAIDs or capsaicin can provide localized pain relief.

Corticosteroid Injections: These can reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief in severe cases.

Physical and Occupational Therapy:

Physical Therapy: Strengthening and flexibility exercises can improve joint function.

Occupational therapy: Therapists can teach ways to reduce joint strain during daily activities.

Supplements:

Glucosamine and Chondroitin: These are natural components of cartilage and may help slow cartilage breakdown. Some studies show pain relief benefits, while others are inconclusive.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil): Helps reduce inflammation and may ease joint stiffness. Found in fish oil supplements or fatty fish like salmon and mackerel.

Turmeric (Curcumin): A powerful anti-inflammatory that may reduce joint pain. Best absorbed when taken with black pepper (piperine).

Boswellia Serrata (Indian Frankincense): Has anti-inflammatory properties that may improve joint function.

Collagen Peptides: May support cartilage health and reduce pain over time.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): Helps with pain relief and joint function.

Vitamin D: Low levels are linked to increased osteoarthritis risk. Helps with bone and joint health.

Hyaluronic Acid: Supports joint lubrication and may reduce pain.

SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine): May provide mild pain relief and support cartilage health.

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Acupuncture: May help reduce pain for some individuals.

Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat relaxes muscles, while cold packs reduce inflammation and numb pain.

Surgical and Advanced Options

Joint Replacement: In severe cases, replacing damaged joints (e.g., knee or hip replacement) can restore function.

Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive procedures to clean up damaged cartilage may help some patients.