Osteoarthritis (calcification of the joints) drugs and other medications

Osteoarthritis (OA) or also known as calcification of the joints is the most common form of arthritis. This disease can cause pain and stiffness in the joints, which may interfere with your activities. Therefore, people with osteoarthritis need to get medicine and medication to treat the disease immediately.

Broadly speaking, treatment for osteoarthritis consists of three types, namely medical, lifestyle changes, and supporting therapy to help sufferers move more easily. What are the forms of these various treatments?

Various drugs and medical treatments to treat osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a disease that cannot be completely cured. Medications given by doctors are generally to relieve symptoms and help sufferers to move and carry out activities.

In addition to the drugs your doctor prescribes, you may be able to find some drugs at a pharmacy. However, you should first consult with your doctor to find out the right drug according to the severity or your overall health condition.

The following are various drugs and medical treatments that are generally given to treat osteoarthritis:

1. Analgesics (pain reliever)

Analgesic drugs or pain relievers function to relieve joint pain in people with osteoarthritis. However, these drugs do not work to treat inflammation that occurs in the joints. Some examples of pain relievers that are commonly given include:

Acetaminophen (paracetamol)

The drug acetaminophen (paracetamol) is generally given to help relieve joint pain in people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis. Although it can be found in pharmacies, you should take this drug according to the recommended dosage or consult your doctor before taking it. The reason is, the use of paracetamol in excessive doses can cause liver damage.

Opioids

In more severe cases or if paracetamol doesn't help, your doctor may give you opioids, such as codeine, to relieve your joint pain. However, this drug can cause more severe side effects than paracetamol, such as nausea, constipation, or drowsiness.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

This drug is actually used to treat depression, but it can also treat chronic pain due to osteoarthritis.

2.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

In contrast to analgesic drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) function to relieve pain by reducing inflammation in the joints. These drugs can be found in pharmacies and can also be prescribed by a doctor.

Some NSAID drugs that can be found over the counter, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin. While stronger NSAIDs can only be prescribed by a doctor.

Apart from being taken orally, NSAIDs are also available in topical form (creams) that are applied to the affected joints. This type of drug is usually given to people with osteoarthritis or calcification of the joints in the knees and hands. Apart from reducing pain, topical NSAIDs can also reduce swelling in the joints.

However, using NSAIDs that are not as recommended as recommended can cause various side effects, such as stomach upset, heart problems, bleeding problems, and liver and kidney damage.

3. Capsaicin cream

Capsaicin cream works by blocking the nerves that send pain to the area of ​​the affected joint. This drug is a topical (topical) which can cause a burning sensation or a burning sensation on the area of ​​the skin being applied. However, this burning sensation can actually take the focus away from the real pain.

4. Corticosteroids

Corticosteroid drugs function to reduce inflammation in the joints, which have a way of working like the hormone cortisol in the human body. This type of drug can be given in oral form (drink) or injected directly into the area of ​​the affected joint.

Corticosteroids are usually used to treat osteoarthritis that is getting worse or when previous medications have not improved. However, this drug can only be given a maximum of three or four times a year. The reason is, this drug can worsen joint damage if used excessively.

5. Injection of lubricants or hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid injections are usually given as a medication for osteoarthritis or calcification of the joints in the knee. These injections can help relieve pain by injecting hyaluronic acid, which is a substance that is similar to the lubricating components in the joints. This injection helps lubricate or cushion your knee, so you can move more easily.

However, this treatment is still debated because of the side effects that cause temporary pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site. In rare cases, these injections can also cause other problems, namely infection. Talk to your doctor about whether or not these injections are needed for you.

6. Operations

Surgery is generally performed when all types of drugs or other treatments are ineffective or your joints are getting worse (stage 4). This treatment procedure can help relieve symptoms and improve your mobility and quality of life.

However, as reported by the NHS, surgery does not guarantee complete relief of your symptoms. You may still experience pain and stiffness in your joints. Consult with your doctor which type of treatment is best for your condition.

Here are some surgical procedures that are commonly given to treat osteoarthritis:

• Joint replacement (arthroplasty). This surgery is generally performed to treat osteoarthritis of the hips and knees. In this procedure, the surgeon will remove the damaged joint and replace it with an artificial joint made of special plastic and metal.
• Bone alignment (osteotomy). This procedure is performed by adding or removing a small portion of the bone that is above or below the knee joint. This surgery helps realign your knee so that your weight rests on the side of the joint that is still healthy.

7. Physical therapy

In addition to taking medication or undergoing other medications, you may need to do supportive therapy to help treat your osteoarthritis. Several therapies can help this disease, such as physical and occupational therapy.

A physical therapist can help you strengthen the muscles around the joints, increase range of motion, and reduce pain. As for occupational therapy, it can help you find ways to do your daily activities without burdening your painful joints.

In addition to these two therapies, you may also need other supporting tools to help you carry out activities, such as shoes with special soles, walking aids (canes), or other assistive devices to support your activities. Consult your therapist or doctor regarding this.

Healthy lifestyle and treatments that help treat osteoarthritis

In addition to medical medication and supportive therapy from doctors and therapists, there are several medications that can help you treat osteoarthritis. One of them is a change in lifestyle. Here are some lifestyle and other ways to treat osteoarthritis that you can try:

1. Hot or cold water compress

In addition to medical medications, you can also reduce pain due to osteoarthritis with home methods, such as compresses. You can compress the sore joints with a bottle of hot or cold water.

2. Regular exercise

Exercise is one of the most important things people with osteoarthritis need to do. These activities can help you strengthen your muscles and joints, lose weight, improve your posture, and relieve stress, all of which can relieve symptoms.

The types of exercise you can do include walking, cycling, swimming, strength training, or sports that combine meditation, such as yoga and tai chi.

3. Maintain ideal body weight

Maintaining an ideal body weight can help reduce the strain on your joints, especially your hips, knees, feet and back. Therefore, if you are obese, you should lose weight. You can do this by exercising regularly and eating the recommended foods for people with osteoarthritis.