Osteoarthritis

People with osteoarthritis may experience painful symptoms that worsen with time. Fortunately, there are over-the-counter products and self-care measures you can try to control your symptoms.

AT HOME REMEDIES

Rest
- Rest the affected joint to prevent further pain/inflammation. Examples of a joint include the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle.

Stretch
- Stretch every day to strengthen the muscles around the joint and to loosen the joint.

Apply heat packs and cold packs
- Apply heat packs and cold packs to relax the muscles around your joint and to relieve pain.  

Participate in Aerobic Exercise
- Participate in aerobic exercises to increase your flexibility and strengthen the muscles around your joint.

Get a massage
- Get a massage to relieve pain and to loosen your joint.

Get physical therapy
- Get physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around your joints and to loosen the joints.

Get acupuncture
- Get acupuncture to relieve pain.

Protect your joints
- Protect your joints from further injury with braces, splints, or knee taping.

OVER-THE-COUNTER TREATMENTS

Acetaminophen
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) helps reduces mild to moderate pain.
- Examples include Acetaminophen (Tylenol).

NSAIDS or Non-steroidal Inflammatory Drugs

NSAIDS or Non-steroidal Inflammatory Drugs reduce pain and inflammation.
- Examples of NSAIDs include: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and Naproxen (Aleve, Mediproxen)

Topical pain relievers

Topical pain relievers can be applied to the skin to reduce pain.
- Ingredients found in topical pain relievers include:  Hydrocortisone, Methyl Salicylate (Wintergreen Oil), Camphor, Menthol (Peppermint Oil), Methyl Nicotinate, Capsaicin (Red Chili Peppers), and Trolamine Salicylate.   

Take dietary and herbal supplements
- Herbal & Dietary Supplements are designed to improve bone health.
Examples include:
- Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate (Ex: Move Free Advanced)
- Sam-e
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Antioxidants (Vitamins C , E)
- Methylsulfonylmethane
- Ginger
- Boswellia
- Willow Bark
- Turmeric
- Devil’s Claw