Health Tip: Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis

(HealthDay News) - Arthritis can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. It can make movement difficult and painful.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons lists these potential options for treating arthritis:

• Modifying your exercise routine to a lower-impact regimen that may include walking and swimming.

• Making sure your body weight is in a healthy range.

• Using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications, which can help reduce inflammation, pain and swelling.

• Receiving corticosteroid injections in the joint from your doctor, which may also improve joint function.

• Getting physical and occupational therapy, which can help strengthen muscles, bones and joints.

• Undergoing surgery, if other forms of treatment don't help.