Numerous nonsurgical treatments are available for osteoarthritis, especially when we can address symptoms early. Even better, if you start caring for your joints before pain and stiffness begin, you may never notice a significant problem.
Top-level orthopedic surgeon Dr. Sumit Dewanjee at FXRX Inc. in Tempe and Phoenix, Arizona, provides excellent surgical services for his patients. He also favors treatments that keep you out of the operating room whenever possible.
Read more from our FXRX team regarding what’s available to treat osteoarthritis, the wear-and-tear type of arthritis that affects more people than any other type.
Formal physical therapy and routine exercise
Strengthening the muscles around joints helps provide support and reduce strain. Low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, walking, and resistance training are ideal.
Stretching helps maintain flexibility and can reduce stiffness. Dr. Dwanjee may recommend a personalized plan with help from a physical therapist to guide you through structured routines tailored to your current joint health.
Your plan may include additional therapies, such as heat/cold therapy, to reduce pain and improve mobility. Heat can relieve pain, while cold packs help reduce inflammation.
A physical therapist can also provide techniques to protect your joints during sports, work routines, or everyday activities.
Medications
NSAIDs (e.g., naproxen, aspirin, and ibuprofen) are over-the-counter options that relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Follow directions carefully, as overuse can cause significant side effects.
To relieve pain, try creams or ointments containing NSAIDs or capsaicin, a compound derived from chili peppers, applied to the skin over the affected joint.
Injection-based therapies
Dr. Dewanjee may recommend corticosteroid joint injections to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
FXRX also offers regenerative medicine treatments delivered via injections, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. These advanced treatments stimulate the body’s tissue repair and rebuilding process and help reduce inflammation naturally.
Viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid) is another injection therapy that restores lubrication to arthritic joints, helping to reduce pain and improve function.
Orthopedic bracing
FXRX provides customized orthopedic bracing for knees, ankles, and other joints that need assistance or protection. These assistive devices may be temporary, providing joint stability and pain relief as you progress through rehab or for long-term use.
Lifestyle adjustments
Adjusting activities to reduce joint strain can help prevent osteoarthritis from worsening. Avoiding repetitive stress on joints, wearing supportive footwear, and taking frequent breaks are all helpful in managing symptoms.
Adopting joint-friendly habits early in life, such as maintaining an ideal weight, healthy nutrition, and avoiding overtraining or overuse in sports, hobbies, or work, may help prevent significant problems as you age.
Choose surgery when you need it
While Dr. Dewanjee does his best to avoid surgery, there may come a time when it’s your best treatment option for relieving pain and restoring mobility. He offers the most advanced approaches to ensure a successful outcome and improved quality of life.
Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Dewanjee at FXRX today. Call our office or request an appointment online.
