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Home « Clinical Services « Arthritis

Osteoarthritis.

Last updated Thursday, February 10, 2005

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Management and treatment

Treatment

The effects of degenerative joint disease can often be controlled by a few basic measures, such as diet, exercise, medication, and surgery.

Diet

If you have DJD, your diet should optimize your body weight so that the joints do not bear large loads which would cause them to wear more quickly.

Exercise and therapy

Joints in a person with DJD should be protected from rough use, particularly those involving sudden impacts. Canes or walkers may help protect the hip and knee and prevent limping.

Joint range of motion, strength and stability should be maintained by regular gentle exercise.

Medications

If you have DJD, your doctor may prescribe Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Surgery

Surgical treatment for DJD may include removing joint spurs, realigning the joint, fusion of the joint, and joint replacement. In the past several years, these operations have become very effective, and many people have benefited from joint repair or replacement.

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