About this topic
Osteoarthritis is also called OA. It is swelling of the joints due to wearing down of the cartilage. The cartilage is the protective coating at the end of the bone. It helps the joints glide smoothly with each other during movement. The cartilage most often wears down from years of use. ‚
OA is common among older people. It often affects the joints in the hands, feet, hips, and knees. There is no cure for this condition but the pain can be helped. Pain may be lowered by drugs, lifestyle changes, and joint fluid supplements. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take your drugs as ordered by the doctor.
- Apply a hot pack to the affected joint. This will help relieve the pain.
- You may need a cane, crutches, or a walker to help you move around safely.
- Avoid doing tiring activities. Do not lift heavy things.
- Avoid activities that may cause added pressure to your joints.
- If you are overweight, try to lose weight. Try to exercise often.
- Try other methods of relieving pain such as massage, relaxation, breathing exercise, yoga, and image and music therapy.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may send you to a physical therapist to help improve your motion, balance, and strength.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
The doctor may give you a shot of an anti-inflammatory drug called a corticosteroid. This will help with swelling. Talk to your doctor about the risks of this shot. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
Physical activities may be limited if you are in pain. Ask your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
If you are overweight, ask a dietician for a weight loss plan. Weight loss will lower the stress on your joints. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Not able to move around well
- Low mood
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There is no known way to prevent this condition. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Not able to do normal daily activities
- Not able to deal with the pain
Helpful tips
- Try to stay calm. Anxiety may make the pain worse.
- Ask your doctor if acupuncture would help you manage your pain.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if my pain is very bad.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00227 ‚
Arthritis Foundation ‚
http://www.arthritis.org/conditions-treatments/disease-center/osteoarthritis/ ‚
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases ‚
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Osteoarthritis/osteoarthritis_ff.pdf ‚
National Institute of Health ¢ ˆ ’ Senior Health ‚
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/osteoarthritis/whatisosteoarthritis/01.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚