A newer treatment that may help is a series of injections of a substance called hyaluronate (brand names Synvisc and Hyalgan). Hyaluronate is a chemical that provides lubrication and nutrition to the joint. Synvisc and Hyalgan are synthesized forms that can be injected weekly for three to five weeks into an osteoarthritic knee. Some studies suggest that these injections help, although others have found no benefit.
Studies also suggest that an over-the-counter supplement called glucosamine sulfate is safe and may help people with osteoarthritis in the knees. A study published in 2001 described improvement over three years for patients taking 1,500 milligrams of glucosamine a day compared with a placebo (an inactive pill). Whether joint deterioration can be slowed or stopped by treatment with glucosamine is a matter of debate. A more definitive study sponsored by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) is ongoing and should help sort out many unknowns about glucosamine therapy.
Over-the-counter creams containing capsaicin applied to the skin over painful joints also may help.
Applying heat or cold can relieve pain temporarily. Your health care professional also can advise you on the use of heating pads, hot baths and ice packs to ease the discomfort.
Your health care professional likely will suggest that you engage in certain exercises to reduce stiffness and improve your ability to move the joints. Because extra pounds put pressure on sensitive joints, it is important that you control your weight. In addition, if you have osteoarthritis of the spine, it is important to maintain good posture to distribute weight and pressure evenly throughout the body.
In severe cases where deterioration is significant, your health care professional may recommend surgery to correct deformity in a joint or to reconstruct or replace a hip or knee joint.
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