Osteoarthritis: Treatments and Remedies

Cartilage damage to joints cannot be completely reversed. An already existing arthrosis is not curable, because lost joint cartilage does not grow back. No treatment method can restore the original, healthy condition of the joint. Nevertheless, it is possible to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis and significantly influence its course. We provide helpful tips on how you can become active yourself and do something for joint mobility.

Osteoarthritis: treatment of symptoms

Even though osteoarthritis cannot be cured, the symptoms of osteoarthritis can be treated. Various therapeutic methods are used to try to slow or even stop the progression of osteoarthritis. The cornerstones of treatment are relief of the joints (for example, through weight loss), exercise, massage, bath and heat therapy, and medication.

Exercise for osteoarthritis: what’s good for you?

Regular and targeted exercise is the best thing that patients themselves can do to help their disease in all stages of osteoarthritis. Exercise is important because it produces synovial fluid in the joint and transports it into the articular cartilage. This nourishing fluid (synovia) is produced by the synovial membrane. It serves to supply nutrients to the avascular articular cartilage and also reduces friction in the joint and acts as a fluid shock absorber, especially during rapid movements. Well-functioning muscles are important for normal movement in the joint. The better the muscles and ligaments function, the more the joint is protected from overloads and incorrect loads and is relieved. In principle, all types of exercise are recommended that keep the joints moving but do not overload them, for example cycling, swimming. The prerequisite for this, however, is that the movement exercises can be performed without pain. This is usually achieved with analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Drugs and medicines for osteoarthritis

Many innovative drugs for the treatment of inflammatory and degenerative joint diseases have been developed in recent years. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and COX-2 (selective) inhibitors are the main drugs used. The latter specifically sabotage the enzyme COX-2, which is responsible for promoting pain and inflammation, without affecting the stomach-protecting COX-1. As a result, they are kind to the stomach. In more severe cases, cortisone preparations are also used (as tablets or injected into the joint). In addition, there is also the possibility of injecting hyaluronic acid into the joint as a “lubricant” – the effectiveness varies greatly from individual to individual.

Physical therapy for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Physiotherapy, massages and heat or cold applications can be used as supportive measures. They promote muscle development and relieve discomfort. Electrotherapy and ultrasound therapy can also positively influence the course.

Surgery for osteoarthritis

Surgical intervention is another option: either as a therapeutic arthroscopy of the joint (arthroscopy), as compensation for malpositions (osteotomy), or as an intervention in which an artificial joint (endoprosthesis) is inserted. In advanced cases, artificial joint fusion (arthodesis) is also performed, which limits mobility but resolves pain. Cartilage replacement techniques, in which the joint defect is replaced with new, possibly artificially grown cartilage, show success only in the early stages; newer methods are currently still being tested. Relieve pain with osteoarthritis: this helps!

Tips for osteoarthritis – what can you do yourself?

All of the following measures are aimed primarily at osteoarthritis of the large, weight-bearing joints:

  • Provide regular exercise
  • Reduce weight
  • Do stretching exercises for thigh muscles
  • Do not carry heavy things
  • Avoid prolonged standing and sitting
  • Walk on soft (shock-absorbing) soles
  • Wear flat heels (for knee osteoarthritis)

Further guidance on which specific recommendations are useful and necessary for the individual patient, can only give the attending physician in knowledge of the affected joint, the severity of osteoarthritis and the performance of the patient.

Preventing osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can be prevented within limits by trying to minimize the osteoarthritis factors. This includes, above all, regular exercise and reducing excess weight.Heavy (incorrect) stress, for example due to one-sided activities or sports that put a strain on the joints, should be avoided. Injuries and inflammations of the joints should be sufficiently cured before they are again excessively loaded. Such measures can at least increase the likelihood that osteoarthritis will not occur until advanced age.