Treating The Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

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Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that develops over time. The condition can affect several different joints but most commonly affects the hands, feet, knees and hips. The cause of osteoarthritis is yet to be determined. However, aging seems to play a part in the development of the disease.

Cartilage

Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage (soft tissue) in the joints of the body changes. The cartilage tends to become rougher than usual and the underlying bone thickens to ease the stress placed upon the cartilage. Growths can develop at the edges of the affected joint, making the joint appear knobbly and the space inside of the joint gradually becomes narrower and narrower. This causes the joint to become stiff and painful and the area surrounding the joint to turn red and swollen.

By: Municipal Archives of Trondheim

While osteoarthritis cannot be completely cured, its symptoms can be relieved through treatment. Exercise is a commonly prescribed treatment for osteoarthritis. Exercise strengthens the muscles and this, in turn, reduces the stress placed on the joints. For those who are overweight, losing weight will lessen the strain on their weight-bearing joints. If the pain of osteoarthritis is severe, a doctor may prescribe drug therapy. Several different types of drugs can be used to treat osteoarthritis, including painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Exercise

For those unable to exercise and/or take oral osteoarthritis therapies, hyaluronic acid injections, such as Durolane, may be prescribed. These injections are administered to the affected joints and top up the joint’s natural hyaluronic acid supply. Hyaluronic acid serves as a shock absorber and protects the bones from the impact of movements. In individuals with osteoarthritis, the concentration of hyaluronic acid in their joints is lower than usual. As a result of this, hyaluronic acid injections can prove helpful.

To benefit from the effects of hyaluronic acid, a course of treatment is usually required. However, in those for whom a course of injections is undesirable, Durolane offers a single injection treatment that relieves the pain of osteoarthritis of the knees and hips. Durolane contains high levels of hyaluronic acid. As hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the joints, the body does not tend to react unfavourably to Durolane injection treatment. Due to the way in which Durolane injections are prepared, the treatment provides effects that last longer than those of other types of hyaluronic acid treatment. One injection can therefore offer long-term relief from the pain of knee and hip osteoarthritis.

David Graham writes for a well-known Osteoarthritis treatment company and hope this article informs and educates people of the treatment of Osteoarthritis.

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