Treatment is directed toward improving general health and maintaining as normal a lifestyle as possible. The patient should lose weight, if necessary, and perform exercises designed to strengthen surrounding muscles and maintain movement of the joint when it is not bearing weight. Total pain relief for osteoarthritis is rarely achieved. During the initial stages, aspirin or other painkillers may be prescribed. Heating pads may provide relief if a joint has become acutely painful.
Frequent rest can help, too.
If necessary, canes, crutches, or walking frames can be used. If you have osteoarthritis, talk to your doctor about a treatment plan that is right for you. Rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease which causes the body's immune system to attack the joints. It is a chronic and destructive form of joint inflammation characterized by symmetrical swelling and often afflicts small joints in the wrist, hand and ankle, but any joint may be affected. The cause is not known, but it is more common in women and usually first affects people between the ages of 30 and 40.