Surgery
As a final resort, when osteoarthritis pain is so intense that it encumbers lifestyle and cannot be relieved with any other treatment, doctors may consider the following surgeries:
1. Arthroscopic Surgery
Typically performed on knees and shoulders of OA sufferers, Arthroscopy surgery removes and cleans the damaged cartilage from around the joint and repairs surrounding tissues.
2. Joint Replacement
This surgery invasively replaces the damaged joint with an artificial one and is only considered when OA pain inhibits function and quality of life. In many cases, an artificial joint will diminish pain and return basic movement and function to the joint. The most common joint replacements are hips and knees, but elbows, ankles, fingers, and shoulders can also be replaced.