Q: Besides pain medication, what else could I be doing to help ease the pain I have from osteoarthritis?
A: There are a number of therapies and strategies that one can use to decrease the pain and discomfort of osteoarthritis (OA). Each person will differ, however, in his or her response to these treatments. In other words, some of these therapies might help one person but not another. You must work with your doctor to find the integrative approach to treating your OA that is right for you.
- Exercise. Exercise is an important part of the treatment of OA for most patients. An exercise regimen that is appropriately prescribed by a doctor or physical therapist can help ease both pain and disability in OA patients.
- Weight loss. Losing weight is an important task for the patient who is overweight and suffers from OA. Weight loss can also help relieve pain and disability associated with OA.
- Supplements. Research has shown that supplements such as glucosamine sulfate or glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate together might potentially help reduce the destructive bone changes that occur with OA as well as improve symptoms such as pain. The benefits of taking one or the other of these supplements or both together are not clear at this time. Have a discussion with your doctor about these supplements to better understand his or her perspective on the appropriate dosage and how these supplements might help you. Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of these supplements on OA.
- Acupuncture. Acupuncture can be helpful in reducing the pain associated with OA particularly when used in conjunction with other standard treatments such as pain medications. Acupuncture might help ease the symptoms of OA and help eliminate the need for adding medications or the need to increase the dose of current pain medications. Research has shown that some people benefit from acupuncture and experience less pain, while others do not experience benefit or relief. Large research trials are currently underway to evaluate the role of acupuncture in the treatment of OA.
- Massage. Massage can be helpful in the treatment of pain and therefore might help ease the pain of OA. Again, individuals respond differently. For OA patients, light massage might be better than deep massage. Joints that are acutely swollen or painful should not be massaged. If the massage is painful, it should not be continued.
It is always beneficial to work with practitioners who are trained to work specifically with arthritis patients. Finding a certified and/or licensed acupuncturist or massage therapist who has experience working with arthritis patients can increase the benefit that one derives from such complementary therapies. It can also reduce the harm that might occur with less experienced or less knowledgeable practitioners. |
