There are numerous non-pharmacological methods to relieve people with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip. They consist in taking pressure off the affected joint(s), which alleviates pain and improves mobility.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy must always be favored with people suffering from osteoarthritis of the hip and knee: advice and tailored exercises reduce pain and are effective in helping the patient move with greater ease.
Physical exercises
The patients should also be strongly encouraged to practice physical exercises in order to strengthen and stretch their muscles as well as mobilize the joints.
For people who suffer from osteoarthritis of the hip, performing exercises in water can prove easier.
Weight Loss
Overweight people are advised to lose weight in order to be relieved of their pain. A weight loss of 5 to 10% is already effective to reduce the pain caused by osteoarthritis of the knee.
Walking Aids
Using a cane, a crutch or a walker can reduce the pain caused by osteoarthritis of the knee and hip. These aids reduce mechanical stresses on the joints.
To be effective, it is important that the patient receives proper instructions on how to use them best.
Orthotics
In some cases of osteoarthritis of the knee, an orthosis (knee support or pad) can help reduce the pain, improve stability and decrease the risk of falling. These orthoses are especially recommended in sports patients. Wearing (corrective or shock-absorbing) orthopedic shoes or insoles can also have a favorable effect on pain and improve walking.
Heat/cold applications
Warm (hot packs) and cold (ice packs) applications are widely recommended because they are easy
to set up and are beneficial for gonarthrosis and coxarthrosis.
Caution: cold applications should be applied on the painful joint, while warm applications are reserved for painful and contracted muscles.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine generally associated with other practices that has shown beneficial effects to cure osteoarthritis of the knee.
TENS
Transcutaneous Electrical Neurostimulation (TENS) is a technique that helps
control short-term pain in some osteoarthritic patients (hip or knee).
The information and advice given on this website are not a substitute for medical advice.