Following the orthopaedic evaluation, the orthopaedic specialist will review and discuss the results with you. Based on his or her diagnosis, your treatment options may include:
Non Surgical Options
Diet & Exercise
- Average American is 20–40 lbs. overweight.
- Average person takes 5000–7000 steps/day.
- Reduces stress on weight-bearing joints (extra pressure on some joints may aggravate your arthritis).
- A balanced diet helps manage weight and stay healthy.
ROM Exercises
- Maintains normal joint movement.
- Increases flexibility.
- Relieves stiffness.
Strengthening Exercises
- Increasing muscle strength helps support and protect joints affected by arthritis.
- Exercise is an important part of arthritis treatment that is most effective when done properly and routinely.
Aerobic Exercise
- Improve cardiovascular fitness.
- Helps control weight.
- May help reduce inflammation in joints.
Rest & Joint Care
- Short-term bed rest helps reduce both joint inflammation and pain, and is especially useful when multiple joints are affected and fatigue is a major problem.
- Individual joint rest is most helpful when arthritis involves one or only a few joints.
- Heat Therapy (increases blood flow, tolerance for pain, flexibility).
- Cold Therapy — cold packs, ice massage, OTC sprays and ointments (reduces pain by numbing the nerves around the joint).