They may not be suitable for people with certain conditions, such as asthma, a stomach ulcer or angina, or if you have had a heart attack or stroke. NSAID tablets may be needed if topical NSAIDs are not easing the pain. Your doctor will discuss with you the type of NSAID you should take and the benefits and risks associated with it. As well as helping to ease pain, they can also help reduce any swelling in your joints. They can be particularly effective if you have osteoarthritis in your knees or hands. Some topical NSAIDs are available without a prescription. Some NSAIDs are available as creams (topical NSAIDs) that you apply directly to the affected joints. These are painkillers that work by reducing inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)Ī GP may prescribe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). When taking paracetamol, always use the dose a GP recommends and do not exceed the maximum dose stated on the pack.įind out more about paracetamol. However, many people find that it doesn't work very well, and it is only normally tried if you can't take other medicines. You can buy paracetamol at supermarkets or pharmacies.
If you have pain caused by osteroarthritis, your GP might suggest you consider taking paracetamol for short-term pain relief. The type of painkiller a GP may recommend for you will depend on the severity of your pain and other conditions or health problems you have. Sometimes a combination of therapies, such as painkillers, exercise and assistive devices or surgery, may be needed to help control your pain.
Your doctor will talk to you about medicines to relieve pain from osteoarthritis.
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Your GP and practice nurse can also advise about how to lose weight slowly and safely.įind out more about managing your weight. They can help you plan a suitable exercise programme for you. If you're overweight or obese, try to lose weight by doing more physical activity and eating a healthier diet.ĭiscuss any new exercise plan with your GP or physiotherapist before you start. To find out if you are overweight or obese, use the healthy weight calculator. Losing weightīeing overweight or obese often makes osteoarthritis worse, as it places extra strain on some of your joints. It's important to follow this plan because there's a risk that doing too much exercise too quickly, or doing the wrong sort of exercise, may damage your joints.įind out more about exercise guidelines including simple ways to exercise at home. Your GP, or possibly a physiotherapist, will discuss the benefits you can expect from a exercise programme and can give you an exercise plan to follow at home. However, regular exercise that keeps you active, builds up muscle and strengthens the joints usually helps to improve symptoms.Įxercise is also good for losing weight, improving your posture and relieving stress, all of which will ease symptoms. If osteoarthritis causes you pain and stiffness, you may think exercise will make your symptoms worse. Your physical activity should include a combination of exercises to strengthen your muscles and exercises to improve your general fitness. Lifestyle changes ExerciseĮxercise is one of the most important treatments for people with osteoarthritis, whatever your age or level of fitness. In a few cases, where other treatments have not been helpful, surgery to repair, strengthen or replace damaged joints may also be considered. supportive therapies – to help make everyday activities easier.lifestyle measures – such as maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly.The main treatments for the symptoms of osteoarthritis include: There are a number of treatments to help relieve the symptoms. There's no cure for osteoarthritis, but the condition does not necessarily get any worse over time.
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