Knee, hip, spine, neck… this disease which affects the joints has long been considered a fatality linked to aging.
What is osteoarthritis?
A progressive and definitive deterioration of the cartilage of the joints. It manifests as stiffness after a period of inactivity and activity-related pain relieved by rest. A seizure can last several days or even weeks.
What to do without medication?
Apply heat or cold locally, lose weight in case of obesity, use a cane. Physiotherapy, exercise, balneotherapy, ultrasound, and acupuncture can be helpful.
Are there any treatments?
In the absence of drugs to effectively curb osteoarthritis, the treatment is mainly aimed at relieving pain: paracetamol, and if it is not effective, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (ibuprofen or naproxen) taken orally. over a short period.
What to avoid
Local anti-inflammatory drugs in gel or patch are not very effective and sometimes have serious side effects (digestive, renal, skin disorders); chondroitin, diacerein, glucosamine, harpagophyton, avocado and soy unsaponifiables have no proven efficacy and are subject to serious adverse effects.
When should you consult?
In case of red and swollen joint or severe pain when resting. When osteoarthritis of the hip or knee is very advanced, the fitting of a prosthesis is an option.
Article produced from the Patient Info Sheets of the journal Prescrire (www.prescrire.org), with its permission.
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