The basics of osteoarthritis treatment
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterised by the progressive breakdown of the joint cartilage. This cartilage acts as a protective layer between the ends of the bones in a joint and allows movement without friction. Over time the cartilage can become worn or damaged, which leads to pain, stiffness and restricted mobility. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but it commonly occurs in the knees, hips, hands and spine.
- Knee: 33 per cent of those affected
- Hip: 20 per cent of those affected
- Hands: 25 per cent of those affected
- Spine: 15 per cent of those affected
Why is osteoarthritis treatment important?
Treating osteoarthritis is crucial for improving the quality of life of those affected. Without suitable treatment the symptoms of osteoarthritis can increase, which can lead to more severe pain, a further restriction of freedom of movement and ultimately to an impairment of daily activities. Effective osteoarthritis treatment can not only relieve the symptoms, but also slow the progression of the disease and preserve the function of the joints.
- Pain relief: improves quality of life
- Preserving joint function: avoids disability
- Slowing the progression of the disease: long-term joint health
Comprehensive osteoarthritis treatment can include a number of approaches, among them conservative measures such as physiotherapy and drug treatment as well as minimally invasive and surgical procedures, depending on the severity of the condition. You will find further information on physiotherapy measures under physiotherapy after surgical procedures.
Conservative treatment measures
Conservative treatment measures for osteoarthritis include various methods that help patients to relieve pain and improve mobility. Two main approaches are physiotherapy and drug treatment.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy plays a central role in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Targeted exercises and techniques promote the mobility of the joints and reduce pain. Physiotherapists work on strengthening the muscles around the affected joint in order to improve stability and reduce the load on the joint.
Some of the physiotherapy methods commonly used include:
- Strengthening exercises to stabilise the surrounding muscles
- Stretching exercises to improve flexibility
- Manual therapy to mobilise the joint
- Cold and heat applications to relieve pain
Through regular physiotherapy, patients with osteoarthritis can improve their quality of life considerably. You will find further information under our areas of expertise.
Drug treatment
Drug treatment is another important pillar of osteoarthritis treatment. It serves to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. There are various types of medication that can be used for osteoarthritis:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – effect: anti-inflammatory, pain relieving – examples: ibuprofen, naproxen
- Painkillers – effect: pain relieving – example: paracetamol
- Corticosteroids – effect: anti-inflammatory – example: prednisolone
- Hyaluronic acid injections – effect: joint lubrication – example: hyaluronic acid
NSAIDs are often the first choice for pain relief in osteoarthritis. Corticosteroids can be administered by injection directly into the joint in the case of severe inflammation. Hyaluronic acid improves joint lubrication and can therefore increase mobility.
It is important to tailor drug treatment to the individual patient and to take possible side effects into account. Regular consultations with the treating doctor are indispensable here. You will find further information under drug treatment and cartilage regeneration therapy.
Minimally invasive treatment options
Minimally invasive treatment options offer many advantages for patients with osteoarthritis. These methods are less invasive than traditional surgical procedures and can often lead to a faster recovery and less pain.
Injection therapy
Injection therapy is a widely used method for relieving osteoarthritis pain and improving joint function. The most common types of injection therapy include corticosteroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections and platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
- Corticosteroid injections – effect: anti-inflammatory – frequency: every 3 to 6 months
- Hyaluronic acid injections – effect: lubrication of the joints – frequency: once or twice a year
- PRP injections – effect: promotion of healing – frequency: every 4 to 6 weeks
Most injections aim to reduce inflammation and improve how smoothly the joints glide. This can lead to significant pain relief and better mobility. Patients should, however, always discuss with their doctor which type of injection is best suited to their specific situation. You will find more information on injection therapy in our article on cartilage regeneration therapy.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a technique of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that is thousands of years old and is used to treat pain and promote general well-being. In recent years acupuncture has also established itself as an effective method for relieving osteoarthritis pain.
- Number of sessions: 6 to 10
- Duration per session: 20 to 30 minutes
- Possible results: pain relief, improved mobility
By using fine needles to stimulate certain points on the body in a targeted way, acupuncture can help to reduce pain and improve the function of the affected joint. Studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in treating the symptoms of osteoarthritis, particularly in combination with other treatments such as physiotherapy and drug treatment. Find out more about other minimally invasive treatment options in our section on transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
These minimally invasive treatments offer valuable alternatives for patients who prefer a less intensive treatment than surgery.
Surgical procedures
Surgical procedures can be an effective solution for advanced osteoarthritis when conservative treatment measures and minimally invasive methods no longer help. Two common surgical procedures are joint replacement and arthroscopy.
Joint replacement
Joint replacement, also known as an endoprosthesis, is one of the most common surgical measures for severe osteoarthritis. The damaged joint is partly or completely replaced by an artificial prosthesis. This method is often used for hip and knee joints, but it can also be carried out on other joints such as the shoulder, as described in the article on the artificial shoulder joint.
- Hip joint – success rate: 95 per cent – complication rate: 1 to 2 per cent
- Knee joint – success rate: 90 per cent – complication rate: 2 to 4 per cent
- Shoulder joint – success rate: 85 per cent – complication rate: 2 to 3 per cent
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which instruments and a camera are introduced into the joint through small incisions. This technique is used to assess damage and to treat it directly. It is a frequently used procedure for shoulder osteoarthritis, as described in the article on shoulder arthroscopy.
- Knee joint – recovery time: 4 to 6 weeks – success in osteoarthritis: high
- Shoulder joint – recovery time: 3 to 4 weeks – success in osteoarthritis: moderate
- Hip joint – recovery time: 6 to 8 weeks – success in osteoarthritis: moderate
Knowing about the various surgical options such as joint replacement and arthroscopy is essential in order to make an informed decision about the optimal osteoarthritis treatment. Postoperative measures such as physiotherapy after surgical procedures also play an important role in long-term recovery and should be taken into consideration.
Rehabilitation and aftercare
Physiotherapy after surgical procedures
After surgery for osteoarthritis, physiotherapy is a crucial part of rehabilitation. It helps to restore the mobility of the joints, build up muscle strength and reduce pain. Targeted physiotherapy treatment is indispensable especially after complex procedures such as shoulder arthroscopy or joint replacement.
- Early phase – 0 to 6 weeks – aims: pain reduction, control of swelling, first mobilisation
- Middle phase – 6 to 12 weeks – aims: improved mobility, rebuilding muscle strength
- Late phase – 12 to 24 weeks – aims: functional training, return to everyday activities
Depending on the specific procedure and on how the individual heals, the duration and intensity of the therapy can vary. To achieve optimal results, an individual treatment plan should be drawn up.
Long-term treatment plans
Long-term treatment plans are crucial in order to preserve the results of the operation and prevent osteoarthritis pain from recurring. Such a plan can include various components, depending on the individual needs and lifestyle of the patient.
- Regular physiotherapy: continuous exercises and regular visits to the physiotherapist help to preserve joint function and strengthen the muscles.
- Drug therapy: painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication may be necessary in the long term. Regular review and adjustment of the medication by the treating doctor is important.
- Dietary changes: a balanced diet can support the healing process and help to maintain a healthy weight. Read more about this in our section on diet.
- Exercise and sport: suitable forms of exercise such as swimming or cycling promote joint health without excessive strain. You will find concrete exercise recommendations in our guidance.
- Weight management: excess weight puts additional strain on the joints. Targeted weight management can reduce pain and improve mobility. Read more about weight management.
Long-term treatment plans are essential in order to improve the quality of life of patients with osteoarthritis and maximise the function of the joints. Working together with the treating doctor and other healthcare professionals is of great importance here in developing the best treatment approach.
You will find further information and targeted aftercare measures following surgical procedures in our specialist articles on shoulder surgery and tendon therapy.
Self-care and prevention
Care and prevention play a central role in osteoarthritis treatment, helping to slow the progression of the condition and improve quality of life. Essential areas of self-care include diet, exercise and weight management.
Diet
A balanced diet makes an important contribution to supporting joint health and reducing inflammation. Certain nutrients can have a positive influence on the health of the cartilage and joints.
- Omega-3 fatty acids – sources: fish, linseed, walnuts – effect: anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidants – sources: berries, green vegetables – effect: reduction of oxidative stress
- Vitamin D – sources: eggs, dairy products, sunlight – effect: promotes bone health
- Calcium – sources: dairy products, green leafy vegetables – effect: strengthens the bone structure
Dietary recommendations can also be helpful for specific complaints such as shoulder osteoarthritis, in order to minimise inflammation.
Exercise recommendations
Regular exercise is essential in order to keep the joints mobile and strengthen the muscles. Suitably adapted sports can help to relieve the symptoms and improve mobility.
Recommended activities include:
- Swimming and aqua fitness: these are gentle on the joints and allow light training.
- Cycling: ideal for strengthening the leg muscles without much pressure on the knee joints.
- Yoga and Pilates: promote flexibility and strengthen the muscles.
Specific exercises after surgical procedures such as shoulder arthroscopy can support the healing process.
Weight management
A healthy body weight takes strain off the joints and can significantly reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Excess weight increases the pressure on the joints, particularly on the knees and hips, and therefore intensifies the symptoms.
Tips for effective weight management:
- A healthy diet: avoid foods high in sugar and fat.
- Regular exercise: a combination of strength and endurance training.
- Mindful eating: listen to your body’s signals and avoid overeating.
For patients recovering from injuries such as a clavicle fracture, a tailored weight control plan is particularly important in order to avoid placing additional strain on the healing process.
These self-care and prevention measures can help patients to have a positive influence on the course of their osteoarthritis and to improve their quality of life. Those affected should, however, always consult their treating doctor in order to receive individual recommendations.
