Morning stiffness is a problem for many people. This lack of mobility, in turn, often causes the muscles serving the knee or hip to weaken, and overall body coordination suffers. Time-consuming and costly diagnostic procedures are not required. There is no cure for arthritis, but the past decade has seen dramatic new ways to manage the pain, lack of mobility and fatigue that are among its most disabling symptoms. During the early and middle stages, a treatment program of medicines, cortisone shots, ice treatments, exercise, and rehabilitation can be very effective in reducing symptoms and improving mobility.
Coated aspirin helps relieve pain and has few side effects.
Cortisone shots are given for inflammation. For many people, joint arthritis is often made symptom-free for months or even years after cortisone shots. Four to six shots a year can be given without any dangerous side effects. Heat applications in either the knee or hip make osteoarthritis worse. There is no evidence that any specific foods will prevent or relieve arthritis symptoms.