Non-Medical Treatment Options
What Are The Non-Medical Treatment Options?
Regardless of the severity of the OA, a successful treatment program will likely involve a combination of treatments including lifestyle changes, medication, and diet. 
The most important goals of treating Osteoarthritis include:
- Managing pain
- Improving or preserving joint function and mobility
- Slowing the progression of the disease
- Decreasing symptoms
- Preventing further damage to the joints
Treatment options include:
- Exercise
- Weight control
- Rest
- Reducing stress on joints
- Medications
- Surgery
- Complementary / Alternative therapies
Early, nonmedical treatment options can slow the progression of Osteoarthritis, increase motion, and improve strength. These approaches are described below:
What is “complementary medicine” or “complementary treatments”?
These are treatments that are used along with more traditional medical treatments. For example, when both medications and physical therapy are used together.
What is “Alternative treatments”?
These are treatments that are commonly used instead of traditional medical treatments. For example, when acupuncture is used instead of medications.
Capsaicin cream
Capsaicin cream is commonly used, is safe and can be effective in relieving Osteoarthritic pain. The cream works by blocking the nerves on the skin that send pain messages. To be effective, the cream needs to be applied daily. It may take a month before the cream is fully effective but most people experience some pain relief within the first two weeks.
Capsaicin is made from chilies and as a result some people have reported that they get a burning sensation on their skin after applying the cream. However, using the cream is safe and will not cause any damage. With continued use, the burning sensation occurs less often.
Thermotherapy (Heat/Cold Packs)
The use of both heat and cold can be helpful to ease pain and stiffness in joints. In the inflammation process, heat works by increasing blood flow to the area where as cold does the opposite by reducing blood flow to the area. This combination helps to reduce pain and stiffness. There are a number of ways that each can be applied to joints: 
Heat:
- Heated moist towels
- Hot packs
- Hot baths or showers
Cold:
- Ice wrapped in towels
- Cold packs
- Soaking joints (hands, feet, elbows) in iced water
Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy (PT) is a rehabilitative treatment that uses specific exercises, movements, and equipment to help patients regain or improve their physical abilities. In Osteoarthritic patients, Physical Therapists work with patients focusing primarily on relieving pain and restoring maximum function within damaged joints.
In addition, a Physical Therapist can advise what individual exercises are appropriate. If assistive devices are needed, they may also recommend shoes insoles, knee braces, and how to use walking aids properly.
Assistive Devices
There are a number of devices available for those who have mobility issue
s or need assistance performing everyday tasks including:
- Insoles for your shoes to spread weight more evenly
- Footwear with shock-absorbing soles
- Leg / Knee braces
- Walking aids (a cane or a walking stick)
- A splint to stabilize a joint when resting
- Devices that assist in opening jars, turning on taps etc.
How Can I Reduce Stress On My Joints?
There are a number of ways to reduce excessive stress on joints affected with Osteoarthritis whenever possible including:
- Rest often and proper sleep
- Assistive devices for walking etc.
- Shoe inserts and shoes with thick soles to absorb impact
- Avoid activities that put unnecessary strain on your joints
- Try to maintain good posture at all times
- Working with Physical therapist to identify potential problems
- But……avoid staying in the same position for long periods of time
Acupuncture
There is some research that suggests that acupuncture, which is a technique of inserting fine needles into specific points on the skin, may be beneficial to relieving pain for some patients. It is believed that acupuncture works because the needles stimulate the release of pain-relieving chemicals produced by the nervous system. It is important that the acupuncturist is fully qualified.
Massage
Massage is primarily used to relieve painful muscles around joints. The possible benefits include increasing blood flow to the muscles and surrounding joints and relieving stress. It is important that the massage therapist is fully qualified. 
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