What Are The Treatment Options?

Managing Osteoarthritis

Although Osteoarthritis is painful, uncomfortable and irreversible, in most cases is does not cause permanent disability.  There are a number of treatment options available for the management of Osteoarthritis to ease pain and other symptoms including:

Medical Osteoarthritis Treatment Options

Surgical Osteoarthritis Treatment Options

Non-Medical Osteoarthritis Treatment Options  

It is very important for patients to have clear discussions with their caregiver (doctors, nurses and physical therapists etc.) on what the various treatment options might include.  Research has shown that patients who fully educate themselves on the disease process, what to expect from their disease, and the various treatment options have much better treatment results and can actually slow the progression of the disease process.

Managing Osteoarthritis will vary from patient to patient because the disease and the resulting symptoms vary greatly with each individual.  In addition, not all the joints in an individual will be affected in the same manner.  The severity of symptoms and damage to the joints will likely vary from joint to joint.

Who Treats Osteoarthritis?

Primary Care Physicians or General Practitioners (GP’s): doctors who treat general conditions for patients before they are referred to other specialists in the health care system.

Rheumatologists: doctors who specialize in treating arthritis and related conditions that affect joints, muscles, and bones.

Orthopedists: surgeons who specialize in the treatment of, and surgery for, bone and joint diseases.

Physiatrists (rehabilitation specialists): medical doctors who help patients make the most of their physical potential and address pain.

Chiropractors: doctors that focus on diseases and treatments of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system.

Physical Therapists: health professionals who work with patients to improve joint function.

Occupational Therapists: health professionals who teach ways to protect joints, minimize pain, perform activities of daily living, and conserve energy.

Dietitians: health professionals who teach ways to use a good diet to improve health and maintain a healthy weight.

Nurse Educators: nurses who specialize in helping patients understand their overall condition and implement their treatment plans.

Licensed Acupuncture Therapists: health professionals who reduce pain and improve physical functioning by inserting fine needles into the skin at specific points on the body.

Psychologists: health professionals who seek to help patients cope with difficulties in the home and workplace resulting from their medical conditions.

Social workers: professionals who assist patients with social challenges caused by disability, unemployment, financial hardships, home health care, and other needs resulting from their medical conditions.