Osteoarthritis Pain Relief

Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, is a dreaded diagnosis for middle-aged and elderly people because of its impact on their quality of life in general and mobility. The pain usually affects weight-bearing joints, such as the hips, back, knees and feet.

Other symptoms of osteoarthritis include aches and soreness in the affected joints especially with movement; pain in the affected joint following long periods of inactivity or due to overuse; and swelling (enlargement) of the affected fingers’ middle and end joints, which may or may cause pain. Indeed, osteoarthritis is a disease that not only causes physical pain but also psychological pain because of the disfigurement.

Doctors at any of the Healthpointe clinics, such as the Colton clinic (which is accessible to patients from Rialto, Bloomington, San Bernardino, Loma Linda, Highgrove, and Grand Terrace), can assist patients in the effective management of osteoarthritis. Your doctor will focus on the improvement of movement and the reduction of pain in the affected joints.

You should carefully consider the pros and cons of each treatment plan to maximize the benefits derived from it. Your options in effective management of osteoarthritis include:

Medications

For mild pain, your doctor will typically recommend over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. For moderate to severe pain, your medications will increase in their intensity, such as prescription pain relievers that also reduce inflammation.

Your doctor may also prescribe hyaluronic acid injections and duloxetine, both of which reduce joint pain. You may also be given stronger pain pills (i.e., narcotics) when other medications are not working.

You may also apply topical ointments to relieve joint inflammation and pain.

Exercise

While it may appear counterintuitive, light exercise can reduce the pain in your joints. This is because stronger muscles can improve joint movement and, thus, reduce pain. You will be advised to engage in low-impact physical activity like swimming and walking on flat surfaces at a moderate pace.

With proper diet, you will also be able to lose extra weight. Keep in mind that when you lose weight, your weight-bearing joints will be subjected to less stress and your joint pain can decrease.

Surgery is the last resort when mainstream and alternative treatment options are not working.

Come to any of our Healthpointe clinics, such as the one at La Mirada (open for Whittier, La Habra, Norwalk, Cerritos, Buena Park, and Santa Fe Springs patients, too) for more information about pain management.

About Healthpointe:

Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including La Mirada, which is conveniently located by Whittier, La Habra, Norwalk, Cerritos, Buena Park, and Santa Fe Springs. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit Healthpointe.net.