FreeMD® Osteoarthritis Home Care

Osteoarthritis

questions for doctor

Home Care

pain and inflammation

Underlying Cause

Osteoarthritis Home Care

Home care for osteoarthritis includes:

Avoid prolonged standing.
Rest painful joints:

Use a walker.
Use crutches.
Use a cane.

Apply warm compresses for stiffness:

Apply for 20-30 minutes, every 1-2 hours.
Wear a sling

Follow an exercise plan developed with your doctor.

Perform exercises for osteoarthritis.
Perform gentle stretching after exercise.

Acetaminophen for pain
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain:

Take prescription pain medicines as directed.
Use splints for osteoarthritis:

Apply splints when the joints are swollen.

Wear footwear that fits properly.
Weight loss if you are overweight.
Apply nonprescription pain rubs to painful joints:

ArthriCare
Arthritis Pain Relieving Rub
Aspercreme
Ben-Gay
Capzasin-HP
Sportscreme

Continue to Osteoarthritis Home Care: Pain And Inflammation

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Last Updated: Jun 19, 2008 References

Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD

Copyright 1989-2008 DSHI Systems, Inc. Powered by: freeMD

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