Physical therapy is enormously important in arthritis. For instance, it is very important to train coordination as well as possible, to build up the muscles around the affected joints, and to restore the often restricted range of motion in the joints by special stretching techniques. This enables movement in the joint to become more even and more harmonious and avoids harmful weight-bearing peaks on the cartilage tissue.

Important! Regular exercise is essential to the health of the cartilage. This is because every individual episode of load-bearing on the joint, for instance as in taking the weight on the foot when walking, forces low-nutrient fluid out of the cartilage tissue (rather like wringing out a sponge). On the other hand, relieving weight-bearing, for instance when raising the leg, allows the cartilage to absorb high-nutrient synovial fluid. Exercise is therefore one of the most important means of stimulating fluid exchange in the cartilage and of maintaining the health of this special tissue and preventing arthritis.

What medicines are considered?

Arthritic changes can cause severe pain. Many people affected therefore have to take pain-relieving medication. In many cases, acetaminophen is the active substance of first choice. Other options include ibuprofen, naproxen or diclofenac. Cortisone preparations can also be useful in selected cases. An additional option is combined preparations with glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen, hyaluronic acid, vitamins and trace elements (such as Orthonol Artho plus) which can help stabilize the cartilage and reduce the symptoms.

Note: Always discuss with an experienced doctor which preparation to use and at which dosage.

Acupuncture, trace elements & Co.

Finally, many of those affected also find various alternative therapies helpful; the efficacy of these is not always scientifically proven. These include acupuncture, homeopathic substances, vitamins C and E and the trace elements selenium, copper and zinc. After sports injuries or operations, enzyme therapies can also help support tissue healing. Also hyaluronic acid preparations in the form of injections to improve lubrication or even magnetic field therapies to stimulate joint metabolism or enhance cartilage synthesis.