How to Manage Osteoarthritis Symptoms in Seniors 

The prevalence of osteoarthritis in seniors is increasing as we are stepping into a bona fide aging society. This degenerative joint disease can cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. If this health problem is left untreated early on, it can aggravate over time.  

Because each patient responds differently to treatments, and treatments that may be effective for early disease may not be efficacious later, you should consult your doctor for suitable treatment options. You may need a combination of different methods to reclaim quality of life.  

The initial treatments for osteoarthritis are medication-based and non-medication treatments. 

6 non-medication treatments to help manage osteoarthritis

1. Exercise 

Many may have heard that physical activity worsens arthritis. On the contrary, exercising and being active strengthens your muscles and their functions and enhances the joint's range of motion and stability. Physical activities that are gentle on the knees, like walking, swimming, tai chi, or yoga, not only assist with weight management but also can help manage existing conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. 

2. Weight control 

If you are overweight, managing your weight by eating a balanced diet and increasing physical activity can relieve joint pain. Every pound or 0.5 kg of shed weight can decrease by 4 pounds or 2 kg. of pressure on your knees.  Discuss with your doctor about weight loss strategies that are suitable for you.  

3. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy

Physiotherapy includes applications of cold, heat, ultrasound, or electrical currents to relieve pains and stretching and exercise to strengthen muscles responsible for maintaining balance and gait. Occupational therapy aims to help you regain independence to do everyday tasks such as putting on clothes, bathing, and going to the toilet.  

Both physical and occupational therapy can prepare you for using assistive devices. 

4. Assistive devices 

Knee braces, kinesiology tape, canes, walkers, crutches, or orthosis can reduce pain, aid mobility, improve balance and stability, and lower fall risk. 

5. Mind-body interventions  

Caring for your mental health is as important as your physical health. Enduring prolonged pain can cause stress, anxiety, and depression. You should know how to unwind from stress and anxiety by practicing deep-breathing techniques, muscle relaxation, and meditation to cope with your emotional distress and enhance your sleep quality and well-being.  

6. Joint protection 

Joint protection is a technique to prevent joint injury from daily activities. It lets you recognize when to stop doing activities before they cause joint pain or discomfort. It can minimize pain and avoid injury risk. You will learn how to protect your joints, such as wearing supportive shoes, alternating between standing and sitting frequently, distributing your weight evenly on the knees when walking, stretching, using safe lifting techniques, restricting activities that can worsen your pain, resting before feeling too tired or using gadgets that make your life easier.  

3 Medications to relieve osteoarthritic pain  

1. Oral medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are the most common osteoarthritis pain relief, which can relieve swelling and inflammation of the joint. However, we should use them sparingly. In mild cases, acetaminophen may be appropriate, whereas in severe cases, doctors may prescribe tramadol or duloxetine to manage more intense pain symptoms.
   Regarding dietary supplements like fish oil, turmeric, vitamins, minerals, glucosamine, or CBD products, there is no solid evidence that they can improve symptoms. 
2. Topical gels or creams can provide temporary relief. 
3. Injectable drugs include Corticosteroids which can relieve joint inflammation and  Hyaluronic acid acts as a lubricant for the joints, slowing down knee cartilage degeneration.  These injectables usually work well for a moderate degree of arthritis.   

If you have severe osteoarthritis or you have been trying all types of treatment and your symptoms do not improve, your doctor may recommend either partial or total knee arthroplasty. Doctors will take your health history and conduct a physical examination to assess the severity and determine a suitable approach and timing of surgery. Knee arthroplasty is an effective treatment modality with complete pain relief, restoring knee alignment and function. Patients can resume their daily activities and regain their quality of life.