Other treatment options for osteoarthritis-Treatments that are not normally recommended
Some treatments have become fashionable or popular but are not normally recommended by mainstream doctors. For example:
Hyaluronic acid
The use of regular
injections of hyaluronic acid directly into a joint is a relatively new
treatment that has been tried for OA. The theory is that it may help
with 'lubrication' and 'shock absorption' in a damaged joint. It may
produce a small beneficial effect in some people. However, the National
Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has looked at the
use of hyaluronic acid as a possible treatment for OA and does not
recommend its use. This is because there is little evidence that it is
effective.
Chondroitin
This is another food supplement
that has become popular as a potential treatment for OA. It is a
chemical that is part of the make-up of normal cartilage. A recent big
study showed that chondroitin has little, or minimal, effect on
reducing symptoms in people with OA. Also, NICE does not recommend the
use of chondroitin for the treatment of OA. This is because they could
find no clear evidence from studies to show that it is an effective
treatment.
Topical rubefacients ('heat rubs')
Although
widely used, NICE does not recommend their use. This is because there
is little scientific evidence to say that they work.
Arthroscopic lavage and debridement
This is
an operation to 'wash out' a joint and 'trim' cartilage from a joint.
NICE recommends that this should not be offered as part of treatment
for osteoarthritis, unless you have a clear history of your knee
'locking' up.
Average rating:
rosie , 5 months
loved the info on oa as i have this problem you should point out that any age gets this as am only 37 and disabled with it as i get funny looks when am out on my mobility scooter am too young for this and has distroyed my life and is not reconised by the disability benefit am still a young mum of two teenagers who have too look after me instead of me doing the looking after .had to give my 3 bed house up just to get ground floor flat and lots of adaptions i feel ninty most days
Report this comment