Good nutrition and careful weight control are important. Weight loss for overweight individuals will decrease the mechanical strain placed on the joints of the lower extremities. Physical therapy or occupational therapy may be beneficial. See arthritis - support group . Disability with osteoarthritis is less common than with rheumatoid arthritis , but movement may become very limited.
Treatment generally improves function.
The procedure has the advantage of being painless and exposing the patient to only a small amount of radiation.