If osteoarthritis (OA) causes you pain, you don’t have to grin and bear it. Several types of medications and other treatments can bring you relief. They may not get rid of your pain totally, but they can often ease it enough for you to do the things you want and need to do.
There are many types of medicines to choose from, but like all drugs, each has its pros and cons. Talk to your doctor about them to decide what’s best for you.
Treatments Without Medicine
Nondrug treatments are the first option for relieving OA pain. They have many benefits and few, if any, risks. Even if you need medication, it’s still important to make lifestyle changes, too.
Exercise relieves joint pain and stiffness. One study of people with knee OA showed exercise worked as well as anti-inflammatory pain relievers. But you have to do it regularly. Like most treatments, if you don’t stick with exercise, the benefits go away.
Your routine should include cardio to keep your heart and lungs strong. Good low-impact options include walking, swimming, biking, tai chi, and yoga. Also include resistance exercises to build your muscles so they can support your joints. And stay flexible with stretching moves. Check with your doctor or a physical therapist to make sure you’re doing the right type of exercise for you.
If you’re overweight, slimming down will make a big difference in your OA. Weight loss greatly lowers the stress on your joints, especially in the knees and hips. It also relieves pain and helps your joints work better. Losing at least 10% of your body weight (20 pounds in a 200-pound person) can cut your pain in half.
