ONCE SYMPTOMS APPEAR, CAN WE TAKE ACTION TO MINIMIZE THE IMPACT OF OSTEOARTHRITIS?
Dr. Chang: Once symptoms appear, we can minimize the impact with simple things like taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, icing, or modifying activities. • Modifying activity might include doing low-impact sports such as swimming or biking instead of high impact. • Tylenol may help the pain, but it is not an anti-inflammatory medication. • Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate may help relieve some of the pain from arthritis. • Viscosupplementation with lubricant-type injections can help to re-lubricate the joints, act as an anti-inflammatory, and add some cushioning to the joints. • Proper weight control is very important. • Maintaining good strength in our muscles will help to absorb the shock and load on our joints. • Braces can also be helpful. • Sometimes surgical procedures like arthroscopies can get rid of mechanical problems within the joints.
