The goals of treatment are to:

• Increase the strength of the joints
• Maintain or improve joint movement
• Reduce the disabling effects of the disease
• Relieve pain

The treatment depends on which joints are involved.

MEDICATIONS

Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with symptoms. Most doctors recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) first, because it has fewer side effects than other drugs.

If your pain continues, your doctor may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs help relieve pain and swelling. Types of NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

However, long-term use of NSAIDs can cause stomach problems, such as ulcers and bleeding. These drugs may also increase the risk for heart attacks and strokes.

The prescription drug, Celebrex (a COX-2 inhibitor) may work as well as other NSAIDs. Because of a risk for heart attacks and stroke, it is given only at the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible period of time.

Corticosteroids injected right into the joint can also be used to reduce swelling and pain. However, relief only lasts for a short time.

Many people use over-the-counter remedies such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. There is some evidence that these supplements can help control pain, although they do not seem to grow new cartilage. Some doctors recommend a trial period of 3 months to see whether glucosamine and chondroitin work.

Capsaicin (Zostrix) skin cream may help relieve pain. You may feel a warm, stinging sensation when you first apply the cream. This sensation goes away after a few days of use. Pain relief usually begins within 1 - 2 weeks.

Artificial joint fluid (Synvisc, Hyalgan) can be injected into the knee. It may relieve pain for 3 - 6 months.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Exercise helps maintain joint and overall movement. Ask your health care provider to recommend an appropriate home exercise routine. Water exercises, such as swimming, are especially helpful.

Other lifestyle recommendations include:

• Applying heat and cold
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet
• Getting rest
• Losing weight if you are overweight
• Protecting the joints

People whose work is causing stress in certain joints should find ways to reduce trauma. You may need to adjust the work area or change work tasks.

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Physical therapy can help improve muscle strength and the motion at stiff joints. Therapists have many techniques for treating osteoarthritis. If therapy does not make you feel better after 3 - 6 weeks, then it likely will not work at all.

BRACES

Splints and braces can sometimes support weakened joints. Some prevent the joint from moving; others allow some movement. You should use a brace only when your doctor or therapist recommends one. Using a brace the wrong way can cause joint damage, stiffness, and pain.

SURGERY

Severe cases of osteoarthritis might need surgery to replace or repair damaged joints. Surgical options include:

• Arthroscopic surgery to trim torn and damaged cartilage
• Changing the alignment of a bone to relieve stress on the bone or joint (osteotomy)
• Surgical fusion of bones, usually in the spine (arthrodesis)
• Total or partial replacement of the damaged joint with an artificial joint (knee arthroplasty, hip arthroplasty)

For more information and support, see arthritis resources.

Your movement may become very limited. Treatment generally improves function.

• Adverse reactions to drugs used for treatment
• Decreased ability to perform everyday activities, such as personal hygiene, household chores, or cooking
• Decreased ability to walk
• Surgical complications

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of osteoarthritis.