Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Home care for osteoarthritis: heat, cold, pacing, footwear and gentle activity, with cautions.
Home care can ease osteoarthritis symptoms and keep you moving. These are supportive measures, not cures.
Practical measures
Traditional household practices
Warm sesame oil massage, turmeric in food and ginger tea are widely used. Evidence is limited. Do not use oil on broken or inflamed skin. Turmeric supplements in high dose can affect blood thinners and the liver.
Be careful with
Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen can affect the stomach, kidneys and blood pressure. Check with a doctor or pharmacist before regular use.
See a doctor if pain is not improving after a few weeks, or the joint becomes hot and red.
When to get help
Book a visit with your doctor or an orthopaedic or rheumatology clinic if joint pain keeps returning, limits walking, stairs or sleep, or if you are unsure which treatments are safe with your other medicines. Early advice often avoids unnecessary scans, tablets and bed rest, and lets you start the right exercise plan sooner.
Remember
The best home remedy is movement. Gentle, regular activity protects the joint.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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