How a patient finds the right drug for osteo arthritis pain relief will largely depend on the degree in which they are afflicted by the disease. At the onset of this degenerative disease, the pain may be more of an annoyance, an indication there may be a need to consult the physician. It can manifest itself as a feeling of stiffness in the affected joints, accompanied by some discomfort, but over the counter pain medications typically can provide osteo arthritis pain relief.

Osteo arthritis is caused by the degeneration of the cartilage in the joints. The cushion it provides between the bones and prevent them from rubbing together, in age related arthritis, slowly causes the bones to touch, signaling the need for osteo arthritis pain relief. The further along its path the disease travels, the more pain that is associated with it and stronger pain relievers, as well as some lifestyle changes can offer some osteo arthritis pain relief in the earliest stages.

Often, doctors will recommend exercises to build up the muscles around the affected joint, taking some of the strain off the bones as they touch. Exercising to help maintain the joint's mobility can also provide some osteo arthritis pain relief as well as using over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs to help reduce swelling.

Basic Rule Is If It Hurts, Don't Do It

Many times patients will have very little pain unless they are involved in an activity that causes discomfort. Once a person is diagnosed with osteo arthritis pain relief may be a simple matter of eliminating many of the activities that precedes pain in their joints. Since ending all activities to avoid pain is probably not realistic, when they must be undertaken, it is wise to stop and rest periodically.

Hot and cold compresses have been shown effective at offering osteo arthritis pain relief. This is the same type of therapy used by athletes nursing an injury and can be an effective tool in providing osteo arthritis pain relief. However, patients should always check with their doctor before participating in any exercise program or activity that may cause serious problems to the affected joints.

As the affliction becomes worse, there may be more radical medical treatments required for osteo arthritis pain relief, but surgery is always a last resort for doctors. many patients are advised to use a cane or a walker to help keep weight off the joints, as not only osteo arthritis pain relief, but also to prevent damage to the bones of the joint.