Home Conditions Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis — what to take?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease with cartilage destruction. Affects 30% of those over 60. Locations: knee (gonarthrosis), hip (coxarthrosis), spine, hands.

6 recommended OTC drugs
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OTC — no prescription

What you can take for osteoarthritis

Informativ. Nu înlocuiește sfatul medicului. Consultă medicul sau farmacistul înainte de a lua orice medicament.

Medical body content is still in Romanian:

Risk factors

Age, obesity, trauma, repetitive activities (occupational/sports), anatomical abnormalities, genetics, female sex.

Symptoms

Mechanical pain (worsened by exercise, relieved by rest), short morning stiffness (under 30 min), crepitations, progressive limitation of mobility, deformities.

Treatment

Non-pharmacological — fundamental:

  • 5-10% weight loss — reduces knee osteoarthritis pain by 50%.
  • Aerobic exercise (swimming, cycling), muscle strengthening.
  • Physiotherapy.
  • Orthoses, canes.
  • Heat therapy, cryotherapy.

Pharmacological:

  • Paracetamol — first line for pain.
  • Topical NSAIDs (diclofenac gel) — safe.
  • Oral NSAIDs — for more severe pain, short-term.
  • Weak opioids (tramadol) — severe cases.
  • Intra-articular injections with hyaluronic acid, corticosteroid, PRP.
  • Duloxetine — for chronic component.

Surgery: arthroplasty (prosthesis) in severe forms.

Supplements with evidence

  • Glucosamine sulphate 1500 mg + chondroitin 1200 mg — modest benefit.
  • Type II hydrolysed collagen 2-10 g/day.
  • MSM 1500 mg twice daily.
  • Curcumin with piperine — anti-inflammatory.
  • Omega-3 2-3 g EPA+DHA/day.
  • SAMe, boswellia, topical capsaicin.

Medical disclaimer: the information in this guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist. For diagnosis and treatment, consult a healthcare professional.

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