Osteoarthrosis can’t be reversed, but symptoms can be effectively managed
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My mother, 70, has osteoarthritis and was prescribed medication to help with the pain. What else can she do to keep it from worsening? Is physical therapy an option?
ANSWER: Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease. Although the process of osteoarthritis can’t be reversed, the symptoms usually can be effectively managed.
Medication helps. Exercising regularly, staying at a healthy weight and lowering stress on joints makes a difference too. For many people, physical therapy is a useful part of their treatment plan.
Osteoarthritis happens when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in joints gradually breaks down. That leads to joint pain, tenderness and stiffness. Although osteoarthritis may damage any joint, it’s most common in the hands, knees, hips and spine.
As in your mother’s situation, medications such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, frequently are used to control osteoarthritis. Several topical medications that can reduce joint pain are available too. They include capsaicin cream and a gel form of the NSAID ibuprofen.
Exercising on a regular basis also helps ease osteoarthritis symptoms. This is where physical therapy may be useful. A physical therapist can work with your mother to create an individual exercise program to strengthen the muscles around her joints, increasing her range of motion and reducing pain.
Low-impact exercises such as swimming, biking and walking usually work well. Some people also enjoy tai chi and yoga, which combine gentle exercises and stretching with deep breathing. A physical therapist can help your mother decide what activities are right for her.
Staying at a healthy weight also is an important part of managing osteoarthritis. Carrying extra weight increases the stress on weight-bearing joints, such as the knees and hips. Even a small amount of weight loss can relieve some pressure and decrease pain.
If she would like to lose weight, your mother can ask her healthcare provider for a referral to a dietitian, who can discuss healthy weight-loss strategies, offer suggestions for meal planning and provide nutritious recipes to get started.
To keep her symptoms from getting worse, your mother should try to avoid overusing the joints affected by osteoarthritis. A variety of assistive devices are available to make everyday tasks less stressful on joints. For example, using a cane takes weight off a painful knee or hip. Gripping and grabbing tools make it easier to open doors and jars.
Some forms of alternative medicine have been suggested for osteoarthritis treatment too. Acupuncture — a technique that involves inserting extremely thin needles through the skin at strategic points on the body — may contribute to pain control for some people. Meditation may also ease osteoarthritis symptoms in certain cases.
The nutritional supplements glucosamine and chondroitin often are touted as effective treatment for osteoarthritis. Results from studies on these nutritional supplements have been mixed though. A few have found benefits for people with osteoarthritis, but most have shown no clear effects.
If your mother is interested in trying these supplements, encourage her to talk with her healthcare provider first. Glucosamine is not safe for people who are allergic to shellfish. Also, glucosamine and chondroitin may interact with blood thinners, such as warfarin, and cause bleeding problems.
— Dr. John Davis III, rheumatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
(Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. Email questions to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org.)