Drug treatment for osteoarthritis

Treatment of osteoarthrosis remains a serious problem despite the fact that the list of drugs used has recently expanded significantly. First of all, this is due to the fact that most drugs used for osteoarthrosis have only a symptomatic effect. The ability of any drug to change the course of this disease in humans in vivo has not yet been proven. This is largely due to the limited ability of biochemical and instrumental methods to prove the property of drugs to "modify the disease", although some researchers have demonstrated this ability for some biomechanical and pharmacotherapeutic methods.

Among the objectives of osteoarthritis treatment, the following can be highlighted:

• reduction in the severity of disease symptoms,
• improving functional activity,
• slowing the progression of osteoarthritis.

To achieve these goals, there are non-drug and drug treatments for osteoarthritis. These include:

• patient education and social support,
• reduction of excess body weight,
• physiotherapy exercises,
• physiotherapy,
• use of assistive devices to facilitate movement,
• other rehabilitation methods,
• alternative methods of treatment (acupuncture, homeopathy, etc.).
• systemic pharmacotherapy,
• local pharmacotherapy (application, intra-articular administration of drugs), as well as surgical treatment of osteoarthritis.

Treatment of osteoarthritis with drugs

Treatment should also include the use of medications:

• Painkillers taken to reduce the intensity of painful sensations. Often these are non-steroidal drugs that are suitable for you. However, when using them, do not forget about the recommendations given in the first stage, because all these drugs only relieve pain, but do not cure it.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs (for example, ibuprofen, diclofenac, orthofen, etc.). It is not recommended to use them for a long time - this is fraught with the occurrence of problems with the stomach, kidneys, intestines.
• Chondoprotectors, which practically help to "rebuild" cartilage. However, be prepared for the fact that the course of their intake can be quite long: up to one year.

Treatment of osteoarthrosis should also be combined with physiotherapy, and there is significant variability here: from laser and thermal procedures, electrophoresis, massages to treatment with leeches and mud. All these activities will help not only to get rid of pain, but also to reduce inflammation, help in strengthening tissues.

In particularly difficult cases, even surgical treatment of osteoarthritis is used. In extreme cases, the diseased joint can even be replaced with a prosthesis.

What should be done to avoid problems with blood vessels in the future? The following elements can be included in the prevention system for this problem:

• Swimming lessons;
• Performing a simple set of exercises daily;
• Proper nutrition;

Although treating osteoarthritis can be a difficult task, do everything in moderation, do not overexert yourself, but do not give up all the joys of life - then treating osteoarthritis will not be a burden for you!