How can arthritis be treated ?

The treatment of arthritis depends on the specific type of arthritis you have, its severity, and your individual needs. Arthritis treatment aims to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, improve joint function, and enhance your overall quality of life. Here are some common approaches to arthritis treatment: Medications: Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Prescription Medications: Stronger pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications might be prescribed by your doctor, especially for more severe cases of arthritis. Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): These medications are primarily used for inflammatory types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis. They help slow down the progression of the disease and reduce joint damage. Biologic Response Modifiers: These are a type of DMARD that specifically targets the immune system to reduce inflammation. They are used in cases of autoimmune arthritis. Physical Therapy: Physical therapists can design exercises and techniques to improve joint mobility, strength, and flexibility. They also provide guidance on how to perform daily activities with less pain and strain on your joints. Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapists can help you develop strategies to manage daily tasks with arthritis. They may suggest adaptive devices or techniques to reduce joint stress. Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help reduce stress on your joints. Balancing rest and activity to prevent joint strain. Using joint protection techniques during activities. Applying heat or cold therapy to alleviate pain and stiffness. Injections: Corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation, especially for localized joint issues. Hyaluronic acid injections, often used for knee osteoarthritis, help lubricate the joint and reduce pain. Surgery: In severe cases where other treatments are ineffective, surgical options might be considered. Joint replacement surgery, such as hip or knee replacement surgery, can improve joint function and reduce pain. Joint fusion surgery might be considered to stabilise and immobilise a joint in cases of severe damage. Complementary Therapies: Some people find relief from arthritis symptoms through complementary therapies like acupuncture, massage, and herbal supplements. However, the effectiveness of these treatments can vary widely. Managing Flare-Ups: It's important to learn how to manage flare-ups when arthritis symptoms worsen. Rest, ice or heat, and adjustments to your treatment plan may be necessary during these times. Your orthopaedic surgeons will work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan based on your specific type of arthritis, its severity, your medical history, and your individual needs and preferences. Regular communication with your healthcare team is crucial for managing arthritis effectively. Know all about knee replacement surgery and recovery process, procedure, cost of knee replacement surgery in Delhi and in India, by contacting the best hospitals like Manipal Hospital Dwarka. There are best orthopaedic surgeons in Delhi, who perform most successful knee replacement surgery, along with providing followup care.