Osteoarthritis is a common source of joint pain. Although there is no way to cure or reverse osteoarthritis, there are many helpful ways to manage the symptoms on a daily basis.
This article from Healthcentral.com describes several things you can do to control the pain from osteoarthritis.
Weight control and healthy exercise are the two most important ways to slow the progression of arthritis and minimize the symptoms. If you are not sure what exercises are safe for an arthritic joint, working with a physical therapist can help you identify the best exercise program for you.
Although medications by mouth can help temporarily alleviate some of the pain from osteoarthritis, pills are not something that should be relied on as a long-term solution. Treatments that can be focused on the painful joint, such as an ice pack or topical anti-inflammatory creams, are better options than pills. In 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Voltaren Arthritis Pain for over-the-counter use in adults. Voltaren Arthritis Pain contains diclofenac sodium topical gel 1%. Diclofenac is a member of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) family.
Cortisone injections are another anti-inflammatory treatment that can be focused on a specific joint. Cortisone does not cure or reverse arthritis, but can provide strong, temporary relief of a flare up.
Do you have joint pain that you think may be due to osteoarthritis? Call us at 215-361-5060. We can help make the correct diagnosis and discuss the treatment options that make the most sense for you.