Osteoarthritis: symptoms, treatment and relief

Doctors may prescribe several other medicines for osteoarthritis. They include:

• Topical pain-relieving creams, rubs and sprays (for example, capsaicin cream) applied directly to the skin
• Mild narcotic painkillers, which while very effective are addictive and rarely used
• Corticosteroids, powerful anti-inflammatory hormones made naturally in the body or reproduced synthetically, are typically injected into affected joints to relieve pain temporarily; this is a short-term measure, and not recommended more than two or three times a year
• Hyaluronic acid derivatives relieve pain and are most effective for patients who have mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. Two drugs, Hyaluronan (Hyalgan) and Synvisc (Hylan) are injected directly into the joint to replace natural hyaluronic acid, a normal component of joint fluid and cartilage that helps joints move freely and breaks down in patients with osteoarthritis.

Most medicines used to treat osteoarthritis have side effects, so it is important to learn about the drugs you are taking. Even non-prescription drugs should be checked. Several groups of patients are at high risk for side effects. Those patients are people with a history of peptic ulcers or digestive tract bleeding, those taking oral corticosteroids or anticoagulants (blood thinners), those who smoke and those who consume alcohol.

Surgical measures
Surgeons may replace affected joints with artificial joints called prostheses, which can last 10-15 years or more. These joints can be made from metal alloys, high-density plastic and ceramic material, and can be joined to bone surfaces by special cements. About 10 per cent may need revision. Surgeons choose the design and components of prostheses according to their patient's weight, sex, age, activity level and other medical conditions.

The decision to use surgery depends on several factors - level of disability, intensity of pain, interference with lifestyle, age and occupation. After surgery and rehabilitation, the patient usually feels less pain and swelling, and can move more easily.

Alternative therapies
Glucosamine, a glucose-based chemical produced in naturally healthy joints, is fast gaining ground as one of the most popular alternative treatments for osteoarthritis. Not least because it doesn't have the side affects associated with NSAIDs. The use of glucosamine to treat arthritis was discovered when it was used by vets along with a related joint chemical chondroitin to successfully treat racehorses with tendon strain.

One of the greatest breakthroughs of recent times has been research from Cardiff University which shows the Omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil stop or reverse the damage done by enzymes that break down cartilage in the joints.

Other more established remedies include acupuncture (the use of fine needles inserted at specific points on the skin), which preliminary research indicates may be a useful component in some osteoarthritis treatment plans.

Other alternatives include wearing copper bracelets, drinking herbal teas and taking mud baths. However, there is little to no scientific evidence that these alternatives are effective, although some people find them helpful. These treatments are not harmful, but do not try to supplant medical care with them. If you have symptoms, go to a doctor for diagnosis and consultation if treatment is required. When it comes to osteoarthritis, early and aggressive treatment will improve outcome.

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