It is important to know that although arthritis cannot be reversed, there are several treatment options out there that can help manage your symptoms. Here's a rundown of the available options at hand.

If the right treatment options are applied, dealing with arthritis is not a problem. Although your healthcare professional is the best judge of your problem, it is important that you are also well aware of the various treatment methods. A few things need to be taken into consideration, like lifestyle, health, needs of the patient, etc. The aim of this treatment is to manage the pain and improve functioning of the affected part. Now, let us turn our attention to the treatment options for arthritis.

Exercise
According to a research that was carried out, exercises have proved to be very beneficial to treat arthritis, especially osteoarthritis. It is seen that exercise helps in reducing pain, increasing flexibility, maintaining weight, and improving blood flow to all parts of the body. It acts like a mood stabilizer and promotes general fitness too. Exercises can be used to extend the range of movements which are restricted due to this inflammatory condition, keep the extremities of the body strong, and also reduce weight. There are many exercises, which can become a part of your schedule. Some of them are yoga exercises, water exercises, strength training with an exercise band, walking, etc. Talk to your doctor before you start any of them. He/she will be in a better position to prescribe the right kind of exercises for you. Your doctor may also prescribe some therapeutic exercises.

Rest
Are you aware that if you do not take adequate rest, your problem can aggravate? You have to make sure you do not overexert yourself. This will help in reducing pain caused by overexertion. There are stress management and relaxation techniques, which can prove to be beneficial to you.

Medication
Medication is one of the options used for treating osteoarthritis as well as rheumatoid arthritis. These medications are prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation in mild to moderate cases. Often, the doctors prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If the patient has a severe case of arthritis, corticosteroids are prescribed. They help in relieving the pain and stiffness associated with the condition. In some cases, injections of these steroids may also be given in the joints, the effects of which can be temporary or even long-lasting. If it is due to a problem with the immune system, drugs which act on the immune system are given.

Splints and Braces
Splints and braces help in keeping the joints in the appropriate position and relieving the pain. There are splints for the knee, fingers, wrist, etc. The splints can either be made of plastic or cast material.

Hyaluronic Acid Therapy
Hyaluronic acid is a shock absorber and a natural lubricant that helps the joints to move smoothly. However, this lubricant is found to be less in patients with osteoarthritis. Injections containing this lubricant can help such patients to improve mobility in joints.

Weight Loss
If you read any manual which contains information on the treatment methods, you will find that weight loss is said to be one of the main options. Often, the condition aggravates due to obesity. After talking to your doctor, you will have to decide which is the apt exercise for your condition, that can help you in weight loss.

Surgery
It is usually the last treatment resort in case of arthritis. If the damage caused to the joint is severe and none of the treatments are giving the desired results, the doctor may recommend surgery. There are different surgery options, which can be recommended, like removal of the inflamed lining of the joint, releasing the trapped nerves, fusing of joints, etc. For treating this inflammatory condition of the knee joint, there are many choices which can be utilized. These days, there are a number of patients who do not want to go in for a knee replacement and hence look for its alternatives.

Of all the treatment options, I feel exercise is the option which is the cheapest and also the one with the least side effects. However, when you exercise, make sure you do not overdo and cause more harm to your condition. Before you try any of the treatment methods, make sure you have spoken to your doctor.

Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and should not be substituted for the advice of a medical professional.