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What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis and is characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage. OA is a disabling and often painful condition that mainly affects the weight-bearing joints of the body, such as those of the hips, feet, and knees; however, any joint in the body, including those of the fingers and back, may be afflicted. The pain experienced with OA is caused by the wear and tear of the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in the joints; if the cartilage wears down entirely, the bones will no longer be protected, leading to bone rubbing on bone, which, in the long run will cause damage to the bones and joint pain. The exact cause of OA is unknown, but researchers believe that many factors, such as being overweight, increased age, and/or injury, may play a role.
Who is at risk for OA?
There are many factors that may put you at risk of developing OA. These include:
Obesity
Being greater than or equal to 45 years of age
Joint injury (from sports/physical activities and/or trauma)
Being female
Heredity
What are the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis?
Individuals with OA may experience the following signs and symptoms:
Pain following the use of a joint
Stiffness and swelling, especially in the morning or after sitting, that lasts less than 15 minutes
Decreased range of motion and loss of joint flexibility
Bony enlargements on the joints of the fingers or base of the thumb
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Joint swelling and discomfort during a change in the weather
What over-the-counter treatment options are available for osteoarthritis?
Heat and Cold Therapy
If you are experiencing joint pain and stiffness, experimenting with heat and cold therapy may be beneficial. Applying heat (such as a heating pad or a hot shower), to the affected area(s) for 20 to 30 minutes 2 or 3 times a day may be effective. In addition, applying cold packs to joints for 15 to 30 minutes may help reduce pain. Massaging the affected joint after heat or cold therapy may also aid in pain relief. Experiment with both heat and cold therapy to see which one better relieves your symptoms.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is an over-the-counter (OTC) dietary supplement that is used to maintain elasticity and strength of joint cartilage and decrease pain and inflammation in individuals suffering from OA
Glucosamine should be taken 3 to 4 times a day, and it will take about 4 to 6 weeks before results are seen.
If you have a shellfish allergy, check with your doctor before using glucosamine because it is made from shellfish covering. In addition, if you are diabetic, ask your doctor if you can take glucosamine because it may affect your blood sugar.
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Acetaminophen (APAP)
APAP is a first-line OTC product used to treat mild to moderate pain associated with OA. It is important to remember that APAP does not decrease inflammation.
You can take 325-650mg of APAP every 4 to 6 hours or 1000mg 3 to 4 times a day. Do not take more than 4000mg a day.
Using APAP at high doses (greater than 4000mg a day) for long periods of time may cause liver damage. If you have liver disease, please check with your doctor to see if APAP is appropriate for you. In addition, avoid or limit alcohol to less than 3 drinks a day while you are taking APAP.
Side effects of APAP include rash and nausea. If you experience an upset stomach with APAP, you can take it with food or milk.
If APAP is not helping manage your pain or if you are experiencing inflammation, you may need to switch from APAP to a Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID).
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