Have Osteoarthritis? You’re Probably Treating It Wrong.

What do you do for osteoarthritis (OA) in your hip or knee? If your first answer is take a pain killer, you’re not alone. But the American College of Rheumatology does not agree.

What are their strongest recommendations? Taking part in land-or water-based exercises and losing weight, if required. Both those measures reduce the risk of disability from OA as well as relieve your pain.

Yet a study published in Arthritis Care & Research showed that most of its 1200 participants were overweight, and fewer than half had tried any nondrug intervention, including exercise, physical therapy, or weight loss.

What did most of the participants do for their OA? Overwhelmingly, they took medication: 70 to 82% of participants relied solely on oral pain medication to manage their OA.

While the American College of Rheumatology’s recommendations for OA treatment include using acetaminophen or NSAIDs, using medication is only its secondary recommendation, not its primary one.

While the medications may help relieve pain, they certainly don’t stop progression of the disease, as exercise and weight loss do. Moreover, these medications can have serious side effects, particulary in seniors, who are disproportionately affected by OA.

At Atlantic Coast Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, in scenic Lakewood, NJ, we take a restorative approach to OA Our goal is to maximize our residents’ function and mobility in a positive and upbeat atmosphere. Our therapy gym is equipped with the best and most innovative therapeutic equipment, and our activities director builds each day’s schedule with activities that promote physical health and fitness while encouraging social interaction.

Read our reviews on senioradvisor.com, caring.com, and wellness.com to hear what our residents and their families have to say.

Or better yet, come see for yourself: Contact us to schedule a tour by calling 732-364-7100, or by clicking here.

Contact us at 732-364-7100, or by clicking here.