Both surgical and non surgical methods are effective treatments of arthritis depending on the status of the problem and age of the person bearing this. Non surgical treatments of arthritis are helpful in treating and slowing the progression of mild or moderate arthritis pain.
In the case of mild arthritis bringing some changes in the life style is itself a method of reducing the problem. Taking proper rest, giving rest to the joint after any movements those causes the pain, applying hot and cold water compresses, avoiding repetitive movements of any painful joint. Use of herbs, dietary discipline and taking effective diet in addition to a proper lifestyle is a good non surgical method for the treatment of moderate osteoarthritis pain.
Exercising regularly helps in removing the pain. Exercises focused on muscle and joint strengthening and improving elasticity in the body helps in reducing the pain. Losing extra weight is beneficial, not only for over all health, but helps the joints by reducing the pressure from them. Medication is another non surgical method for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
There are many non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs that can help in alleviating the disease. Painkiller drugs are used for countering inflammation of joints. However, these medicines are given in the case of advanced osteoarthritis condition and have potential side effects. Intra-articular treatments are other non surgical methods for the treatment of severe osteoarthritis. Corticsteroid injections are given by which hormone cortisone is injected in the painful joint to reduce inflammation and pain. Injecting fluid into the troubling joint is called viscosupplementation and is a non surgical method to improve arthritic condition.
Acupuncture is another non surgical method though no scientific research has proved its effectiveness but evidences suggest its efficacy in reducing the problem. Magnetic pulse therapy is another method like acupuncture which has provided relief to the patients in many cases.
Many surgical methods for the treatment of osteoarthritis are available out of which joint replacement is very popular and effective. It not only gives mobility, shape and flexibility to the joint, in most of the cases, but has minimum chance of infection and bleeding.
Joints like knee and hip and also elbow, shoulder, finger and feet can be replaced and may allow leading a painless life. In the case of knee, when joint replacement surgery is not possible, realigning bones is another surgical method to cure the problem. Fusing bones by a procedure called arthrodesis is also a surgical method for treatment of osteoarthritis, though this method can reduce pain and improve stability in the joint but joint looses flexibility completely.
Cartilage transplant is another method of treating osteoarthritis though immediate results are excellent but long term benefits of this method are yet to be confirmed. Hip resurfacing, latest surgical method for treatment of osteoarthritis, gives painless life, good range of motion and stability and is a boon for young and physically active people. Osteotomy or realignment of bone, and hemicallotasis are other surgical methods used for treating arthritic knee, while hemicallotasis is used as an alternate for osteotomy.
