Osteoarthritis medicine recommendations
Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disease that cannot be cured. However, it is possible to alleviate the symptoms, often to such an extent that the person affected can return to a normal life. The treatment that has been shown to have the best results for osteoarthritis in the long term is adapted, instructor-led training. Training, in some cases combined with weight loss, can reduce the worst pains and increase mobility. But this is not always enough. If the pain is severe, it may be necessary to have quick and temporary relief in order to manage the training. In this case, non-prescription pain relievers can work as osteoarthritis medicine.
Read more about osteoarthritis.
Natural medicines to treat osteoarthritis
There are a number of natural medicines that are said to strengthen joints and regenerate cartilage. Consequently, they are sold as osteoarthritis medicine. Popular substances used individually or in combination include, for example, rose hip powder, glucosamine and green-lipped mussel. However, there are no qualitative scientific studies to prove that these substances would are effective treatments for osteoarthritis.
Read more about natural medicine.
Pain relieving medicine
Osteoarthritis causes pain and stiffness in the affected joints. Sometimes this pain is so severe that it is impossible to do any training. If this is the case, it may be necessary to use pain relieving medicine which can suppress the pain, because training is a major part of the treatment. For most people, non-prescription medicine such as the anti-inflammatory preparations Ipren, Voltaren or Diclofenac are sufficient. Paracetamol in the form of Alvedon and Panadol, for example, can also provide adequate pain relief for osteoarthritis. Even though these medicines have few adverse effects and you can buy them without a prescription in a pharmacy, it is recommended to consult a doctor before you start using them.
Stronger medication such as opioids, for example Citodon, Tramadol and Oxycontin, are not recommended as they are addictive and should therefore not be used for chronic pain. They also provide poor relief from osteoarthritis pain.
For really severe pain, cortisone injections may be an option. Cortisone is injected directly into the affected joint. However, this should not be seen as osteoarthritis medicine, as it only treats the pain and not the disease itself. Cortisone also only provides temporary relief for a few weeks, in a similar way to pain relieving tablets.
Training is the best medicine for osteoarthritis
The best results over the long term for osteoarthritis comes from customized, instructor-led training in combination with education. Information about the disease will help to manage the symptoms, while training strengthens both muscles and joints. At the same time, a change in lifestyle with more physical activity and healthier meals will contribute to reducing body weight, which in itself can contribute to reducing the load on the joints and thus also the pain.
Read more about osteoarthritis treatment.
By starting to train and finding out information about the disease, the majority of people manage to reduce their symptoms. That is why many doctors prescribe training instead of osteoarthritis medicine. In cases where pain relieving medicine is necessary however, you should always follow your doctor’s instructions.