Pain Management for Osteoarthritis

As the body ages, the tissues and muscles goes into a wear and tear mode. If any of your elder family member suffers from Osteoarthritis, this is what you need to know.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis that affects millions of people worldwide especially the old ones. It occurs when the protective cartilage between the bones wears down over time. It can damage any joint, the disorder most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine. Osteoarthritis symptoms can usually be managed, but the damage to joints can't be reversed. Maintaining an active regime, a healthy weight and medications can slow down the progression of the disease. If left untreated for a longer time, it can worsen the condition. Signs of osteoarthritis includes:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Lack of flexibility
• Bone spurs
• Grating sensation

How to relief pain and discomfort?

With medication and treatments, the symptoms can be managed. These includes:

1. Home remedies

Massaging with olive oil, or using ice packs on the affected areas can help relieve pain and inflammation. One can buy wrist ice pack and can apply it on the affected areas like knee or wrist.

2. Splints

A splint reduces the squeezing of the nerve and keep the hand in irritation free position. The more the hand is rested less will be the inflammation.

3. Exercises

Depending on the type of pain, exercises may work. Exercises that focuses on relieving tensed nerves and lengthen muscles and tendons are effective in Osteoarthritis. When it comes to which exercises to do, patients should get recommendations from a doctor or physical therapist.

Consult a orthopedic for better advice. Never try anything which is new as it cause more harm than good.