Treatment for the condition primarily focuses on decreasing pain and improving joint movement. Although treatment options inevitably vary, they are likely to include the following aspects.

• Exercise to keep the joints flexible and to improve muscle strength.
• Medications to control pain (for more information see the section Pain Management in Arthritis topic).
• Heat/cold therapy for temporary pain relief (for more information see the section Pain Management in Arthritis topic).
• Joint protection to prevent strain/stress in painful joints.
• Surgery to relieve chronic pain in damaged joints.
• Weight control to prevent extra pressure on weight-bearing joints.

Joint protection

Braces, supports and other devices to protect the joint in question can prevent further damage.  Your doctor will advise you on whether this would be a helpful strategy.  For more information, look at the sections Prevention and Living with arthritis.

Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be appropriate to alleviate joint pain, improve joint function and thereby enhance quality of life. One of the most common types of surgery is joint replacement, such as the hip and the knee.  If this is appropriate, your doctor will discuss it with you.

24/04/2009