Arthritis Treatment

Non-Surgical Therapy:

The following non-surgical treatment options are aimed at relieving pain and improving quality of life:

• Physical therapy: Physical therapy exercises especially developed for arthritis patients help to strengthen muscles. Strong muscles and correct movement further help to relieve pain and joint stress.
• Occupational therapy and rehabilitation: Occupational therapy teaches patients how to perform daily tasks as efficiently and pain-free as possible. Patients learn how to open doors, pick up objects and carry things without stressing their joints. Assistive devices help in this process and can be found in medical supply catalogues.
• Heat & cold therapy: This therapy aims at relieving acute pain and relaxing the muscles. During an attack, cold therapy in the form of cold packs, ice massages or soaking joints in cold water reduces swelling. In the heat phase, a radiant heat lamp, electric heat pads or hot water helps to relieve pain and relax muscles.

Surgical Therapy:

When medications are unable to slow joint damage, a surgical procedure may be recommended. Various procedures include:

• Arthroplasty: This joint replacement procedure removes the damaged sections of the joint and replaces them with a prosthesis made of metal and plastic.
• Arthrodesis: If replacing the joint is not possible, then fusing a joint may be necessary. This procedure fuses the affected joint to either synthetic bone or a bone graft and helps to stabilize it.
• Synovectomy: This procedure removes the lining around the affected joint (synovium). This option is usually reserved for severe cases with chronic pain.
• Tendon repair: This procedure is recommended when joint damage has caused the tendons around the affected joint to loosen.