Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis caused by the breaking down of cartilage in the joints. In effect, cartilage acts as a cushion between bones in joints, and when it breaks down the bones can rub together, causing pain. This is a condition that affects many senior citizens. It has a big negative impact upon the quality of their lives, and it can make getting around difficult or even impossible.
Treatment for arthritis revolves mostly around pain control. One new method of helping with osteoarthritis knee pain involves ozone gas injections. This has been shown to help minimize pain and improve mobility. It’s not a cure, and osteoarthritis is a progressive disease, but it can have an almost immediate effect when it comes to improving the quality of life of those impacted by the joint issue. Ozone gas is a naturally occurring molecule, and it has shown signs of reducing inflammation in the past. Until a recent study in Brazil, though, it has never been used to help treat knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. The hope was that this would help reduce pain and help people to live better lives as a result of this. So far, the results are very positive.
In tests, those patients treated with ozone showed not much of a difference to those that were treated with a placebo. However, when it came to pain, the patients treated with ozone had remarkably less pain. They also had overall better health, and these things kept improving throughout the course of the study. It did take four injections to get to this point, but those responsible for the study found that there was a big difference in the quality of life between those suffering with pain and were treated by a placebo and those who had had ozone. Still, more thorough studies will be needed in the future for this to have solid evidence behind it. For now, this is something that will need more time before it becomes a widespread treatment.
When you have a loved one with severe arthritis, finding in-home care for them can be a big help. Even if it is only a temporary thing and the symptoms of the arthritis can be kept under control, having a professional caregiver in the house to help them get through their activities of daily living without added stress is a big relief for both you and them. Other things, like investing in a wheelchair, making adjustments so transferring from sitting to standing (especially when using the toilet), and reducing the likelihood of tripping and falling within the house can also help to improve your elderly loved one’s quality of life. For additional help with pain management, consult a physician so that they can help you and your loved one to find something that will help them live more comfortably. Most people will benefit from over the counter medications, but it’s still smart to see a doctor before starting anything, especially if it is a long term form of treatment, such as what arthritis will entail.
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