Osteoarthritis - Treatments
Unfortunately, there is no cure for OA at present but there are many options that can help to improve and manage the symptoms that can be associated with OA. Treatment options for OA can be categorised into conservative management, and non-conservative management.
Conservative treatments should be used in combination before being ruled out. For example, Physiotherapy could be completed alongside using a TENS machine and also using a supportive brace. Just using heat alone, for example is unlikely to optimise your symptom management. Examples of conservative management include;
Physiotherapy
Heat and cold therapy
Weight loss
TENS machine
Supportive shoes and specific insoles to offload areas of the joint
Bracing/joint supports
Walking aids e.g sticks
Pain medication – topical NSAID’s and/or paracetamol
Cortico-steroid injections
Examples of non-conservative management include;
Joint replacement surgery
Your physiotherapist will be able to further discuss these treatment options to find a combination that will work best for you.
Comentários