Topical therapy

Some OA treatments can be applied directly on the skin, including two of the simplest: applying heat and cold. A bag of frozen peas or an ice pack placed over a painful joint lessens inflammation. The cold object should be wrapped up in a towel and should be used for no more than 20 minutes at one time, to avoid any risk of frostbite. By contrast, a hot water bottle or a warm bath will increase blood flow and loosen up a stiff joint. Some doctors feel that heat risks exacerbating inflammation, however, so a red and swollen joint may do better with ice.

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A skin patch containing 5 percent lidocaine, a topical anesthetic, can reduce OA pain, a study has shown. Creams are also common remedies. Celecaine, a cream made of natural oils, lessened pain and improved function better than did a placebo in several scientific trials.