Treatment

Alternative treatments for arthritis, including “natural” remedies such as supplements, can help some people with their arthritis symptoms. Caution is important, however, to avoid quack cures and ensure no harmful interactions with other arthritis treatments a patient may be utilizing.

While there is no single arthritis-curing diet, diet and nutrition can play an important role in preventing or minimizing arthritis symptoms and flares.

Exercise is used to keep the joint structures sturdy and can slow the rate of deterioration. Physical therapy is used to rehabilitate a joint or joints after an injection or surgery procedure.

Injections for arthritis can reduce pain symptoms to allow for a window of opportunity during which the patient can participate in physical therapy, exercise, and everyday activities.

Joint aspiration, also known as arthrocentesis, is a procedure where a needle and syringe are used to remove fluid from a joint. The fluid is removed for diagnostic lab testing, and/or to alleviate pressure and relieve joint pain.

Medication treatments for arthritis may be over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen or aspirin, or doctor-prescribed medicines such as opioids. Each option has its own benefits and risks.

Doctors with specialties benefiting people with a type of arthritis include rheumatologists, physiatrist, and orthopedic surgeons along with other specialists to diagnose or treat joint problems.