Many treatment options are available to help relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA).  These include medications, non-drug treatments, and surgery.  Some of the more common non-drug treatments are listed below.  Before beginning any new treatment, always talk with your doctor about what’s right for you.

Physical therapy An evaluation by a physical therapist and instruction in appropriate exercise may reduce pain and improve function. Exercise A rounded exercise program can promote muscle strength, improve range of motion, increase mobility, and ease pain. Weight loss Maintaining a healthy weight can lessen pain by reducing stress on affected joints. Walking aids Canes and crutches can reduce pain in hip and knee OA.  If both hips and/or knees are affected wheeled walkers may be preferable. Footwear If OA affects the knee, special footwear and insoles can reduce pain and improve walking. Knee braces For OA with knee instability, a knee brace can reduce pain, improve stability and reduce the risk of falling. Heat and cold Many people find the heat of a warm bath or heat pack eases OA pain.  Others find relief in cold packs, while some prefer alternating the two. Acupuncture A form of traditional Chinese medicine is touted by some as an effective treatment for OA pain. Joint Replacement Surgery restores worn surfaces and replaces a damaged joint with an artificial one. As the area’s first dedicated unit of its kind, skilled orthopaedic surgeons have performed more than 3,500 joint replacements at Grand View’s Joint replacement Center since 2002.

Innovative procedures and advanced technologies provide a custom solution.  Grand View offers minimally invasive,
custom solutions including:

• Total Hip Replacement • Total Knee Replacement • Gender-specific Knee Implants

• Anterior Hip Approach • Shoulder & Reverse Shoulder • Replacement Ankle Replacement

Vast experience, leading edge technologies, and quality care have earned Grand View high marks:
      » Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval^TM in Hip & Knee Replacement a third time, 2012 
      » 5-Star Quality Rating Hip Replacement & Hip Fracture Repair — HealthGrades, 2012
      » Top Performer on Key Quality Measures — The Joint Commission, 2011
      » Surgical Care Improvement Award for using best practices — Quality Insights of Pennsylvania, 2011

Call coordinator Janice Hunsberger, RN at 215-453-4162 for information about Grand View’s Joint Replacement Center.