Home and over-the-counter (OTC) remedies can support medical treatment for osteoarthritis.
Pain Relief Medication
OTC medication can relieve the pain and discomfort that occurs with osteoarthritis.
Speak with a doctor before using OTC remedies. Some people may have adverse effects, depending on the drug and dose.
Heat and Cold Treatment
ACR/AF guidelines support heat and cold treatment for knee, hip, and hand osteoarthritis. Heat and cold have different effects, but both can be useful.
Heat Treatment
Heat relaxes stiff joints. Applying heat enlarges the blood vessels. This improves circulation and allows more blood and oxygen to reach the joint.
Here are some options for applying heat:
- Use a hot water bottle.
- Take a warm bath or shower.
- Buy an electric heating pad from the pharmacy.
- Dip the hands or feet in melted paraffin wax from your pharmacy, then peel off when cool.
Tips:
- You’ll get most of the benefit in the first 20 minutes.
- Always check the heat before you apply to avoid burns.
- Avoid heat if you have a flare or an injury.
Cool Packs
Cold packs reduce blood flow and decrease swelling and inflammation. Use cold therapy if you have a warm, swollen, or inflamed joint.
To make a cool compress, fill a plastic bag with ice and wrap it in a towel, or buy a cool pack from your pharmacy.
Tips:
- Never apply ice directly to the skin, as it can burn.
- As with heat, 20 minutes of cold application will give you the best benefits.
TENS Machine
Some people find a transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) machine helps them manage osteoarthritis pain, although there’s not enough evidence to confirm this.
Weight Management
Moderate weight can prevent unnecessary strain on your joints.
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