Treatment Options

Treatment plan goals are to control pain, improve ability to function and slow disease progression.¹  There are several treatment options available for patients. Most patients begin self-medicating their osteoarthritisOsteoarthritis
Arthritis typically with onset during middle or old age that is characterized by degenerative (gradual deterioration of joint) and sometimes abnormal growth in the bone and cartilage of one or more joints and a progressive wearing down of opposing joint surfaces with consequent distortion of joint position and is marked symptomatically especially by pain, swelling, and stiffness; abbreviation (OA) of the knee with over-the-counter remedies. By the time they engage a physician, those treatments may no longer be effective.

Here is a list of treatment options often pursued under the care of a physician:¹

1. Analgesics- relieve pain without relieving inflammation or swelling; few side effects; ex: acetaminophenAcetaminophen
   A drug used to relieve pain and fever.
2. NSAIDS- (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) reduce inflammation and swelling as well as aid in pain relief; ex: aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen.
3. COX-2 Inhibitors- targeted NSAIDS that do not cause stomach irritation; ex: Celebrex®.
4. Injectable glucocorticoids- steroids injected into the joint for fast, targeted pain and swelling relief.
5. Viscosupplementation Injections- 3 to 5 series of injections, given 7 days apart, and injected directly into the intraarticular joint space. Viscosupplementation Injections, also known as Hyaluronic Acid Therapy, can help relieve knee pain by restoring the cushioning properties of the joint fluidJoint Fluid
   A transparent, lubricating fluid secreted by a membrane of an articulation (place of union between two or more joints) or bursa (a saclike body cavity between a tendon and bone) and may improve mobility in a patient's knee.
6. Surgery- an option for severe joint damage, extreme pain or very limited motion.