What non-surgical treatments are available for arthritis?

  1. Painkillers. There are usually two types of painkillers used in arthritis: 1) Pure painkillers. Only a simple pain relief effect, but no anti-inflammatory function. For example, acetaminophen (alias: Tylenol, Benadryl, Bactrim, paracetamol, etc.), Tramadol (alias: Chimantin).  2) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Both anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Suitable for inflammatory pain. Also divided into two types of painkillers, traditional (NSAIDs) and new (COX-2 inhibitors).  2. Hormone. Local injection into the joint cavity to combat acute inflammation, can effectively relieve pain symptoms, mostly short-term, small doses.  3.Topical application of ointment or plaster. Ointment, lotion, gel, ingredients including mint, salicylic acid, etc., can temporarily relieve joint pain, chili cream is relying on the heat, reduce the transmission of pain nerve conduction substances, to achieve temporary pain relief.  4.Joint cavity injection of hyaluronic acid. It is an important component of joint fluid that is refined with biochemical technology. The effect is like injecting oil into the engine of a car, directly injecting hyaluronic acid into the joint cavity can increase the lubrication and viscosity of the joint fluid and reduce pressure and cartilage wear.  5, glucosamine (Glucosamines) and chondroitin sulfates (Chondroitin sulfates). Glucosamine is one of the important components of cartilage that the body can synthesize on its own. As we age, the body gradually does not make enough glucosamine to use it in time for repair of damaged cartilage. Supplementation of glucosamine products extracted from crab shells and shrimp shells, similar to human cartilage components, can help cartilage repair.  6.Physiotherapy. Including local heat, electrotherapy, traction, hydrotherapy, training the muscles of the lower limbs. Heat therapy and electrotherapy can promote joint blood circulation, improve stiffness, anti-inflammatory and pain relief. Traction is to reduce joint pressure. Strengthening the quadriceps muscles can reduce the load on the knee joint when walking. When arthritis has interfered with movement, knee pads, elbow pads or braces should be used to reduce joint stress. Canes and walkers can reduce joint pressure, keep a smooth gait without falling, and avoid joint deformation caused by improper application of force.  7.Exercise therapy. Exercise can increase bone density, muscle strength, flexibility, help stabilize joints, reduce joint stiffness in the morning, improve balance and endurance, and can control weight, and more importantly, exercise can improve the function of other systems throughout the body, such as the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, digestive system, etc. “If you are in too much pain to go out and exercise, don’t forget to do some soft stretching exercises.  Clinically, there are many non-surgical methods for arthritis, all of which can only relieve symptoms or delay the progression of the disease, but not reverse or eradicate the lesion, and it is important to choose the appropriate treatment according to the extent of the disease.