Introduction

Advanced arthritis patients face special challenges in dealing with the progression of the disease. Adapting current treatments or adopting new ones will be a big part of the challenge. In the article below, we've listed some of the non-surgical procedures used to treat advanced arthritis.

Intervention Options Before Surgery

Activity Modification
As your arthritis advances, your doctor may recommend a change in your physical activities to help reduce the pain and inflammation in your joints. For example, you may need to find different ways to carry out your daily activities that are less stressful to your joints, perhaps by using adaptive equipment. You may need to change, or begin, an exercise program. Your physician can guide you through the modifications you need to your lifestyle.

Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Medications
Medications for advanced arthritis sufferers typically include a combination of first and second-line medications. Some of these medications include analgesics (acetaminophen), non steroidal anit-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), and salicylates (aspirin).Joint Injection Your doctor may suggest injections to help alleviate the symptoms of your advancing arthritis. Learn more about injections.

Physical Therapy
Physical therapy has proven beneficial in reducing the symptoms of advanced arthritis and in increasing the sufferer's mobility. Physical therapy usually includes an exercise program, which studies show can improve aerobic capacity and alleviate depression and anxiety among arthritis sufferers. Exercise activities may include range of motion, strengthening and endurance exercises.

Specialized Braces
Specialized Braces may be helpful in some cases of arthritis. The braces are designed to create a force which transfers load from an area of the joint where the cartilage is most worn to an area where there is still some cartilage remaining.

Weight Reduction
Obesity does aggravate the symptoms of arthritis. Your physician may recommend weight loss as a way to relieve some of the stress on your joints and reduce pain and inflammation.

Additionally, some arthritis sufferers seek alternative treatments, including everything from herbal supplements to copper bracelets, mineral springs, magnets, large doses of vitamins and even snake venom. Before taking any medication or alternative treatment, consult your primary care physician.