Osteoarthritis or OA is a degenerative joint disorder (the most common type of arthritis) that is\u00a0not curable but manageable\u00a0with medication, surgeries, lifestyle\u00a0changes\u00a0and non-invasive treatments. Your doctor\/physiotherapist diagnoses the condition after running specific tests and prescribes a treatment plan that would work best for you. So, the \u2018best treatment for osteoarthritis\u2019\u00a0rather depends\u00a0on your individual medical history, severity of symptoms and preferences. This blog discusses the six most common osteoarthritis treatments recommended by medical professionals all over the world.<\/p>\n
If you have been diagnosed with OA, life can be difficult, no matter what your age. But\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0lose hope. Science,\u00a0research\u00a0and technology have made it possible to manage osteoarthritis while navigating life steadily.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n According to\u00a0<\/span>Arthritis.ca<\/span><\/a>,\u00a0<\/span>osteoarthritis symptoms can be significantly relieved with self-management strategies and medications<\/span>. Surgery is prescribed in severe cases only.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here are the healthcare professionals allowed to treat osteoarthritis<\/a>. They are registered to practice in their territory or province and have completed their training from a recognized university. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Another study outlined<\/a> best practices for managing osteoarthritis (OA)<\/span>. Among these, three were developed in the United States, two originated from Europe, and one brought together international input from regions including Canada, Australia, China, Japan, and parts of Europe. Some guidelines also touch on surgical approaches, but the primary focus is on non-surgical, conservative management strategies.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Most recommendations are directed toward healthcare professionals, including physicians, physiotherapists, and other allied health specialists. Contributions from rheumatologists, general practitioners,\u00a0orthopedic\u00a0experts, physiotherapists, and sometimes rehabilitation, geriatric, sports medicine, and public health professionals helped shape these multidisciplinary guidelines.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Broadly, these approaches fall into four\u00a0main areas:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Together, these strategies emphasize a comprehensive, patient-centered approach, one that combines movement, education, and lifestyle changes to improve joint health and quality of life.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n There is a protective cartilage on the ends of your bones. It acts as a shock absorber and lubricator, allowing the joints to move freely. In osteoarthritis, this cartilage wears down due to age or injury, causing the bones to rub against each other during movement. The condition causes pain and stiffness in the joints of the hands, knees, lower\u00a0back\u00a0and neck. It makes everyday movements like walking, bending, or gripping harder than before. So, the treatments focus on reducing pain and restoring\u00a0optimum\u00a0joint movement.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Exercises, when done with the right form and under professional supervision, help manage osteoarthritis over the long term. The modern treatment model for OA prioritizes exercise and lifestyle changes<\/a>, which leads to long-term health and function rather than just masking\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n the symptoms. Physical therapy causes a complex interplay of biomechanical,\u00a0biological\u00a0and immunomodulatory mechanisms within the body, relieving OA symptoms significantly.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Stronger muscles-\u00a0<\/span><\/b>Strong muscles are critical to joint stability. Thus, exercises focus on strengthening the muscles around the affected joint. As the muscles regain their strength, they also resume their function as a dynamic, responsive “brace” that protects the joint.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>Studies have demonstrated<\/a> a clear link between weaker quadriceps strength and an increased risk of developing knee OA, particularly in women, suggesting that strength training may play a preventative role<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Smooth Joint Movement- <\/span><\/b>Movement promotes circulation of synovial fluid and nutrient exchange in the joint. This helps\u00a0maintain\u00a0cartilage health and reduces stiffness.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Better Neuromuscular Control- <\/span><\/b>Exercises improve proprioception (the sense of joint position), balance, and coordination. This is crucial for individuals with OA, as it improves the body’s ability to stabilize joints during dynamic activities, reducing the risk of flare-ups.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Lower Inflammation- <\/span><\/b>As little as 20 minutes of moderate physical activity has been shown to produce a measurable anti-inflammatory cellular response.\u00a0<\/span>Research shows<\/a> that regular activity is associated with reduced local and systemic inflammatory markers and improved pain modulation by the nervous system<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Overall, physical therapy plays an active role in osteoarthritis pain relief and overcoming movement challenges. Your physical therapist prescribes exercises based on your recovery needs.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhat are the Osteoarthritis Treatment Guidelines in Canada?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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What are the Effective treatments for Osteoarthritis?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Exercise\/Physical Therapy\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
How Do Exercises Help Manage Osteoarthritis Symptoms?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Common Exercises Recommended\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n