How to Control Pain in Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is chronic condition caused by gradual wear and tear of the cartilage in your joints, also known as degenerative joint disease. As a common form of arthritis, this condition can occur in any joint in your body, but often occurs in the following joints: hips, hands, neck, knees and lower back, according to the Mayo Clinic. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, you can reduce the symptoms that arise from the condition through medication, physical therapy and heat/ice therapy. In extreme cases, joint replacement surgery can alleviate pain and stiffness by implanting a synthetic joint.

Things You'll Need

• Cold compress
• Heating pad
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Lidocaine topical creams

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Instructions

• 1

  Use heat or cold therapy. Heating pads and cold compresses help reduce joint pain and lower inflammation when applied several times daily. These pain relievers can be found at most drugstores and should be used according to the package's directions. Heating pads and cold compresses should never be applied directly to the skin, as they can cause skin irritation or burning. Wrap the packs in a thin towel or washcloth to lower the intensity of the temperature.

• 2

  Take medication as needed. Over-the-counter pain medication that contains naproxen, ibuprofen or aspirin can help alleviate pain and inflammation when used sparingly. According to "The Pain-Free Program," NSAIDs should not be used for more than seven days continuously due to the risk of liver or kidney damage, and the risk of bleeding to due to side effects of blood thinning caused by the medication. Consult your doctor prior to using NSAIDs.

• 3

  Apply topical creams. Pain-relieving creams contain lidocaine, a numbing agent that temporarily relieves discomfort. Clean the painful area before applying the cream, followed by rubbing a quarter-sized amount of cream into your skin. Use three to four times daily, or as directed on the package's instructions. Discontinue use if pain increases, and contact your doctor.

• 4

  Receive steroid injections. Your doctor may administer cortisone shots around the affected joint area, followed by injecting medication into your joint, according to the Mayo Clinic. This treatment is used sparingly, as continuous steroid use can weaken the joints, according to "The Pain-Free Program."