Subsequent options for further surgery are limited. Having said that, people who have a joint replacement usually remark on the sudden loss of the severe pain they had before. There are a number of complementary medical approaches to osteoarthritis, including nutritional medicine, acupuncture, homoeopathy, and herbal medicine. The research evidence on the effectiveness of these is sometimes lacking and conflicting, but many patients find help from one or other of these approaches. Avoid being overweight.
Excess weight increases the load on the joints.
Seek advice from your doctor or physiotherapist if you develop joint problems. Further information Arthritis Research Campaign . Arthritis Care . Arthritis Foundation . Books The Arthritis Foundation's guide to alternative therapies , by Judith Horstman.