Treatments for Osteoarthritis
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The treatment and management of osteoarthritis involves lifestyle changes, medications, other treatments, alternative and complementary therapies, and surgery.
The goals of treatment include:
- Controlling pain
- Improving mobility and joint use
- Minimizing disability, returning normal function
- Slowing the progression of osteoarthritis
- Protecting other joints from developing osteoarthritis
Treatment involves the following:
Lifestyle changes
Medications
Surgery
Alternative and complementary therapies
Other treatments
References:
Arthritis Foundation website. Available at: http://www.arthritis.org/ .
Conn’s Current Therapy . 54th ed. W.B. Saunders Company; 2002.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/ .
Manek NJ, Lane NE. Osteoarthritis: current concepts in diagnosis and management. American Family Physician . 2000;51(6). Available at: http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000315/1795.html.
Last reviewed September 2009 by Jill D. Landis, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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