10 Things You Can Do for Arthritis

Moderate exercise is an integral part of treating arthritis. Although exercise may sometimes cause discomfort, proper exercise will help nourish the cartilage, strengthen the muscles, and may prolong the life of your joints. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program to obtain permission, precautions or guidelines.

Proper body mechanics can lead to a more effective use of your body and less strain on your joints. Following these activity modification guidelines may prove helpful:

• Avoid slouching and practice good posture by standing up straight.
• Avoid sitting in low chairs to reduce stress on your knees when sitting and rising.
• While traveling, get up and move around every hour or so to avoid stiff joints.
• Avoid impact-loading activities (running, etc.).

Recently, nutritional supplements have become popular with patients with arthritis. Glucosamine and chondroitin have been the most widely used.

Heat and/or cold may be used to decrease pain and increase flexibility. Cold decreases blood flow and helps relieve joint pain and swelling. Heat increases blood flow and helps relax muscles.

Simple everyday tasks are difficult to accomplish when your joints hurt. Ask your doctor or physical therapist about self-help devices for the feet, knee, hands/wrist, or back-hip-knee.

Support devices such as canes, walkers or crutches may also help with pain and discomfort. Talk to your doctor if you feel these might help you with support and balance.

Medications are important in the treatment of arthritis. Many over-the-counter (OTC) medications are effective in patients with arthritis with few side effects. Pain-relievers such as Tylenol® are generally safe and effective in relieving minor pain and discomfort. However, they do not reduce the inflammation caused by arthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Motrin®, Advil® and

Aleve®, help relieve joint swelling and inflammation. The American College of Rheumatology recommends Capsaicin cream or gel as part of the treatment plan. Other creams may be found to be useful as well. Always check with your doctor before starting any medication or supplements.

Close-up of doctor talking to mature patient while holding clipboard

When OTC medications are ineffective in reducing the pain, swelling and stiffness from arthritis, prescription medications may be helpful. There are four general classes of prescription medications:

• NSAIDS – NSAIDS reduce the production of prostagladins, which is a major cause of pain and swelling in arthritis patients.
• Non-narcotics – Several drugs, such as Ultram (Tramadol), are usually well tolerated and effective for pain relief. They work by reducing the brain’s recognition of pain. Many other combinations with Tylenol give these drugs a variety of names.
• Narcotics – Narcotic medication is usually reserved for severe pain of a short duration. These include medications, such as Percocet, Lortab and Demerol. They work by reducing brain recognition of pain, but have significant side effects, such as drowsiness, nausea, constipation and addiction.
• Rheumatoid, Lupus Drugs – There are many excellent medications today for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

• Cortisone Injections – Injecting Cortisone directly into joints helps relieve both swelling and pain. Cortisone is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the adrenal gland that helps for months. The effect occurs usually within a day or two of the injection.
• Hyaluronate Injections – Hyaluronate injections have been approved for arthritis of the knee. The injections may help relieve osteoarthritis pain and restore joint function. Hyaluronate is a naturally occurring substance in joint fluid that provides lubrication and cushioning to 

Surgeons who specialize in arthritis can provide you with all the options and expertise to decide whether surgery is right for you.

Knee Surgery Options

• Arthroscopy – Arthroscopy is a form of surgery where surgeons place small instruments through punctures into your knee joint. Damaged tissue can be removed or repaired within the joint providing relief from both pain and swelling, while possibly preventing further damage to the knee. This procedure is usually not helpful if you are suffering from severe arthritis.
• Total Knee Replacement – For patients with significant arthritis, your surgeon may recommend knee replacement surgery. Knee replacement involves replacing the worn-out surfaces of the knee with metal and plastic components.
• Partial Knee Replacement – The knee is composed of three compartments. Osteoarthritis sometimes develops in only one compartment, while the other two remain relatively healthy.

Patients who have osteoarthritis in only one compartment may be candidates for a partial knee. The advantage of a partial knee is that it resurfaces only the damaged cartilage of the knee, preserving the undamaged cartilage. You and your surgeon will determine if a partial knee replacement is right for you.

Hip Surgery Options

Total hip replacement replaces the ball on the upper end of the femur (thigh bone) and resurfaces the acetabulum (socket). Resurfacing the ball on the upper end of the femur instead of replacing it is sometimes done in younger patients. These implants are designed to restore function and eliminate as much discomfort as possible, while allowing you to return to a more active lifestyle.

Other forms of Arthritis

• Shoulder – Arthritis of the shoulder that results in pain and stiffness may necessitate a shoulder replacement. The ball end of the shoulder is replaced with a metal ball. The socket may or may not be resurfaced with plastic. The hospital stay is typically one to two days. Therapy usually continues for three months or more.
• Ankle – Arthritis of the ankle can be quite painful. Two options exist. Fusion of the ankle is most common and works well. Occasionally, total ankle replacement is performed.
• Hands/Wrist/Elbow – These joints can often be treated without surgery. However, in some cases either fusion 

To find an orthopedic surgeon affiliated with the Advanced Spine & Joint Institute at Alvarado Hospital, call a friendly customer service representative at (800) ALVARADO (800-258-2723) or click here. Our care coordinators also can assist you at 619-229-4548 or by e-mail.