To diagnose osteoarthritis, your doctor will perform a complete physical exam. A bone X-ray will uncover any bone degeneration, a sign of osteoarthritis.Ask your doctor is an exercise program is right for you; get physical therapy in severe cases only. A doctor may also recommend crutches, a cane, or a walker to “unload” joints.
Possible medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen; acetaminophen; cortisone injections (for temporary relief of pain and stiffness in joints).
For advanced cases of osteoarthritis, surgery may be necessary. Several kinds are available to osteoarthritis sufferers: arthroscopy to assess and treat some of the surface damage; joint replacement (arthroplasty); joint fusion (arthrodesis).
