Treatment options
Treatment of Osteo-arthritis focuses on decreasing pain and improving joint
movement, and may include:
- Exercises to keep joints flexible and improve muscle strength
- Many different medications are used to control pain, including simple
- Analgesics and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Steroids can be injected into joints that are inflamed and not responsive to NSAIDs.
- Heat/cold therapy for temporary pain relief
- Joint protection to prevent strain or stress on painful joints
- Assistive equipment to improve function, such as hand orthoses and home adaptations for example a second banister and/or bath rail
- Surgery (sometimes) to relieve chronic pain in damaged joints. This may be joint fusion or joint replacement. Joints commonly replaced are hips and knees but it is possible to replace ankles, shoulders and fingers joints.
- Weight control to prevent extra stress on weight-bearing joints
Pain Management Clinics are run by a professional multidisciplinary team, usually consisting of a psychologist, physiotherapist, nurse and doctor. Pain management programmes are offered to people who have chronic pain of at least 6 months duration and where all other appropriate treatments have been undertaken. Referral from a GP or local hospital is required, and an initial assessment is carried out by the clinic to confirm suitability for the programme before a place will be offered.
The programme lasts between 8-10 weeks and consists of small groups who meet weekly for a half - day session. Usually this is conducted on a non - residential basis, but in severe cases a residential option may be offered.
The multidisciplinary team employs a variety of methods. The basis of the programme is aimed at introducing coping strategies, which help individuals manage their pain and improve their quality of life. This will include psychological, physical and practical techniques, known as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
