Saturday, 22 September 2012

What are the Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis?



Though there is no complete cure for osteoarthritis; yet effective treatments are available. Beginning the treatment in the initial phase can decrease the degeneration to bones and joints. The aim of every treatment is to enhance movement and retard the rate of growth of the disease.
The basic therapy for arthritis typically incorporates exercise, weight loss and medications. The health-care-provider should prepare a health regimen, which suits you the best. Treatment includes monitored exercises and weight loss.
Keep the Track
Regardless of the therapy you’re using, you’ll get the maximum benefit out of it only if you get actively involved in treatment and observe the way your body responds to the treatment. For example, you ought to note the changes in the intensity of pain, time of onset of the pain, the parts it affects and the duration for which pain lasts.
This will assist the doctor to modify the treatment if it is required. You can monitor yourself by keeping a journal. In case you notice anything irregular in signs, such as swelling and pain, or if you spot some improvement in signs, note it down in a journal.
Daily Exercises
Regular exercises alleviate signs like stiffness and pain in joints. Mentioned below are the benefits of daily exercises.
  • Exercise improves the flexibility of joints and boosts the movement without causing pain.
  • Exercise elevates energy levels, lifts the mood and helps you feel calm down emotionally.
  • Exercise causes restoration of the muscles of joints, thus shielding joints from further deterioration.
The exercise regime recommended by the doctor should be appropriate for your physical ability and lifestyle. Usually, a combination of mild-strengthening and stretching exercises such as lifting weights and mild aerobics exercise like walking, bicycling, or swimming is advised. Talk to the health-care-provider for a healthy exercise routine.
Weight Loss
Obesity is the main cause of excess pressure on joints, which puts a person at a greater risk for osteoarthritis. If you are suffering from osteoarthritis, obesity can increase the speed of erosion of cartilage in joints.
Weight loss decreases the stress and pressure on the joints, thus reducing wear and tear of joint tissues. Exercise also lowers pain in joints of knees, feet, hips and back.
Treatment for Osteoarthritis
Severe osteoarthritis needs using prescription drugs as suggested by the doctor, in combination with daily exercises. Generic Celebrex is prescribed for mitigating the signs of osteoarthritis. Celebrex is composed of a key agent known as Celecoxib, which falls into a class of medicines termed as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs.
The drug inhibits the action of cyclo-oxygenase, a substance that occurs in the body naturally. Cyclo-oxygenase assists to manufacture prostaglandins when the body attempts to respond to injury. Prostaglandins trigger swelling, pain and inflammation. As Celebrex inhibits prostaglandins production, the signs of osteoarthritis like inflammation and pain get treated.
Various health regimens and treatment options stated in this write-up must be done under the supervision of a doctor. You must not carry out any exercises and medication therapy on your own, since it may spark off severe side effects.