Is it good to use heat therapy for osteoarthritis?

Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
Updated on January 13, 2025
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First of all, it should be positively affirmed that electrothermal therapy has a very good effect on patients with osteoarthritis, and it is very effective. Electrothermal therapy can promote local blood circulation and thereby facilitate the absorption of local inflammatory exudates, which can effectively alleviate the pain symptoms caused by osteoarthritis. Additionally, for osteoarthritis patients, besides electrothermal therapy, they can also take oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs and drugs that nourish cartilage for treatment. Moreover, it is necessary to reduce the amount of exercise, minimize local irritation as much as possible, and persist in applying local heat compresses or hot washing daily. During hot washing, Sichuan peppercorn and salt could be added to the hot water for the treatment.

Other Voices

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
1min 38sec home-news-image

Osteoarthritis exercise time

We say that all exercise must have a limit, and it should be within the patient’s tolerance. Walking exercises for osteoarthritis are permissible, but we do not advocate excessive exercise. Instead, it is best to focus primarily on rest. We say that life depends on movement, but joints rely on stillness. What does this mean? We do not advocate excessive activity in the joints. What is considered excessive activity? For example, if an osteoarthritis patient finishes a day of walking exercise and feels no pain, swelling, or discomfort in the joints, then the degree and amount of exercise they undertook are acceptable. However, if the patient finishes exercising and experiences significant pain, swelling, or discomfort in the joints by the evening, this indicates that the exercise was too much, and it was not suitable for them. They must rest and avoid such intense activities, indicating that walking exercises are not suitable. Thus, whether walking exercises are appropriate for patients with arthritis needs a balanced view, especially for patients in the acute phase of osteoarthritis. The mindset of exercising through the pain, regardless of discomfort, is absolutely incorrect. During the acute phase of osteoarthritis, we recommend resting as much as possible. During the remission phase of osteoarthritis, whether and how much walking exercise one should engage in also needs to be determined based on the severity of the patient’s condition and their subjective feelings. It cannot be generalized.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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The difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatism

Osteoarthritis is caused by degeneration in old age that damages the cartilage, resulting in pain during joint movement due to the friction between the bones beneath the cartilage, as well as restricted mobility and even deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is typically caused by joint cartilage damage from rheumatic diseases, leading to the destruction of the cartilage. This disease is due to abnormalities in the immune system causing elevated anti-O and rheumatoid factors, and can be definitively diagnosed through etiological examination, physical examination, or blood tests.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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Symptoms of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a disease caused by degenerative changes in the joints, with symptoms primarily manifesting as swelling, pain, fluid accumulation, and limited mobility in the joints. Severe cases may even lead to joint deformities and movement disorders. In terms of treatment for arthritis, it can be divided into non-surgical and surgical treatments. Non-surgical treatment involves rest and avoiding strenuous activities to prevent further joint damage. It may also include the use of anti-inflammatory painkillers, chondroprotective drugs, or intra-articular injections of sodium hyaluronate to relieve symptoms. Additionally, treatments such as hot compresses and physical therapy can be used. When conservative treatment is ineffective or accompanied by limb deformities and movement disorders, joint replacement surgery may also be an option.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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Osteoarthritis characteristic symptoms

Osteoarthritis is a disease caused by degenerative changes in the joints. Symptoms mainly include swelling, pain, effusion, and limited mobility in the joints. In severe cases, it can even lead to joint deformities and impair joint mobility. Treatment for arthritis can be divided into non-surgical and surgical methods. The choice of treatment should be based on a comprehensive consideration of symptoms, the extent of the condition's progression, and imaging studies. Initially, conservative treatment methods can be employed. Patients with arthritis should rest and avoid vigorous activities. Anti-inflammatory pain relievers, cartilage nutrition drugs, and heat therapy can be used to alleviate symptoms. If conservative treatments are ineffective and there are deformities and mobility issues, joint replacement surgery may also be considered.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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What foods should be eaten for osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is generally divided into two main categories. The first category is liver and kidney deficiency, commonly seen in older adults. For this condition, it is advocated to consume foods that nourish the liver and kidney. Black foods are considered to benefit the kidneys, such as black rice, black beans, black goat, and black pork. Other foods like He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum), Rehmannia glutinosa, Coix seed, and Chinese yam also help nourish the liver and kidney and can be beneficial for the condition. The second category is Qi stagnation and blood stasis type, where it is recommended to eat foods that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis. In Western medicine, there are no specific dietary recommendations for treating osteoarthritis, except for general advice for elderly women to consume calcium-rich foods to prevent bone-related issues. Foods recommended include milk, eggs, and lean meat, which are rich in protein and calcium, and it is encouraged to consume more of these.