Among the alternative therapies used to treat osteoarthritis are the following:
Acupuncture
Some people have found pain relief using acupuncture (the use of fine needles inserted at specific points on the skin). Preliminary research shows that acupuncture may be a useful component in an osteoarthritis treatment plan for some patients.
Folk Remedies
Some patients seek alternative therapies for their pain and disability. Some of these alternative therapies have included:
- wearing copper bracelets
- drinking herbal teas
- taking mud baths
While these practices usually are not harmful, some can be expensive. They also cause delays in seeking medical treatment. To date, no scientific research shows these approaches to be helpful in treating osteoarthritis.
Supplements
Dietary supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have been reported to improve the symptoms of people with osteoarthritis, as have certain vitamins. Additional studies are being carried out to further evaluate these claims.
Health Professionals Who Treat Osteoarthritis
Many types of health professionals care for people with osteoarthritis:
Self-Care
Self-care is central to successfully managing the pain and disability of osteoarthritis. People have a much better chance of having a rewarding lifestyle when they educate themselves about the disease and take part in their own care.
Working actively with a team of health care providers enables people with the disease to minimize pain, share in decision making about treatment, and feel a sense of control over their lives. Research shows that people with osteoarthritis who take part in their own care report less pain and make fewer doctor visits. They also enjoy a better quality of life. People with osteoarthritis find that self-management programs help them
- understand the disease
- reduce pain while remaining active
- cope better physically, emotionally, and mentally
- have greater control over the disease
- build confidence in their ability to live an active, independent life
Three kinds of programs help people learn about osteoarthritis, learn self-care, and improve their good-health attitude. Research has shown that these programs have clear and long-lasting benefits. These include:
- patient education programs
- arthritis self-management programs
- mutual support groups
These programs can help teach people about:
- osteoarthritis and its treatment
- exercise
- relaxation
- better communication skills
- solving difficult issues
Coping Strategies
People with osteoarthritis must plan and develop daily routines that maximize their quality of life and minimize disability. They also need to evaluate these routines periodically to make sure they are working well.
Good health also requires a positive attitude. People must decide to make the most of things when faced with the challenges of osteoarthritis. This positive attitude doesn't just happen. It takes work, every day. And with the right attitude, you will achieve it.
- focus on your abilities instead of disabilities.
- focus on your strengths instead of weaknesses.
- break down activities into small tasks that you can manage.
- incorporate fitness and nutrition into daily routines.
- develop methods to minimize and manage stress.
- balance rest with activity.
- develop a support system of family, friends, and health professionals
Related Resources
Source: NIH Publication No. 02-4617
