As osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of joints, it is caused due to the breakdown of protein substance in the joints namely cartilage. This disease affects different body parts such as feet, spine, hand, wrists, fingers and weight-bearing joints like knees and hips. Aging, obesity, joint injuries, some genetic factors and inflammatory response are some of the risk factors for osteoarthritis. Because of denegation of cartilage, there is an irritation and inflammation of the cartilage which can cause pain, swelling, tenderness and inflammation of the joints.
All these conditions may give rise to difficulties in daily activities such as walking, sitting, climbing up and down stairs and driving. Joint pain and loss of mobility may significantly worsen the quality of life. Some complications of osteoarthritis are found as the disease progresses. Due to rapid degeneration, the cartilage breaks into small pieces and floats inside the joint fluid which can cause an irritation to other soft tissues and this condition is known as chondrolysis. In the advanced stage of disease, there is total loss of cartilage which results in inflammation of joints. There is friction between the bones due to formation of bony spurs.
Other possible complications of osteoarthritis are osteonecrosis (bone death), stress fractures, bleeding inside the joint, infection in the joint, deterioration of ligaments and tendons, pinched nerve, sacroillitis, ganglion cysts, spinal stenosis, water on knee and Herberden’s and Bouchard’s nodes. All these complications may result in decreased ability to perform the daily activities such as walking, sitting down, climbing and cooking. Because of this disability, there may be some adverse effects on physical and mental health of the patient. Hence, effective pain management is very essential to maintain flexibility and mobility of the joints.
Depending on complications of osteoarthritis, amount of joint damage and severity of symptoms, there are various treatment options to manage pain and reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis. According to most health experts, regular exercise can effectively help to relieve arthritis pain. Stretching and building exercises are beneficial to improve the joint strength and maintain the mobility of joints. Besides this, some changes in lifestyle may help to manage the arthritis pain. Avoid the activities that can put stress on the joints of hips, knees, fingers and back. In addition to that, application of heat or cold is also found to be advantageous. Alternating ice packs and heating pads can offer significant pain relief for osteoarthritis and can also help to soothe pain and stiffness of joints.
For moderate or severe osteoarthritis pain, the treatment options are medications and natural remedies. The medications for osteoarthritis include pain relievers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Some of the effective pain killers are Tylenol, Panadal, Anacin-3, Valadol, propoxyphene (Darvon) and codeine. NSAIDs including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), aspirin, ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Actron), diclofenac (Voltaren) and naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn) are useful to relieve pain as well as reduce inflammation. In addition to these medications, some natural remedies such as chondroitin, glucosamine and MSM can offer promising pain relief.
Besides this, some other beneficial therapies for significant pain relief are acupuncture, yoga and massage therapy.
