How to treat temporomandibular arthritis

Generally, treatment methods for temporomandibular joint arthritis (TMJ arthritis) include conservative management, physical therapy, medication, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and surgical intervention. Specific details are as follows:

1. Conservative Management

Patients should avoid prolonged chewing, loud speaking, or excessive mouth opening to reduce stress on the temporomandibular joint and prevent further joint wear. It is recommended to consume soft, easy-to-chew foods in daily life and avoid hard items such as nuts and hard candies. Additionally, maintaining emotional stability helps prevent jaw muscle tension caused by anxiety or stress, thus creating a favorable environment for joint recovery.

2. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can relieve pain and stiffness caused by TMJ arthritis through gentle approaches. Common techniques include cold compresses, low-frequency pulsed electrical stimulation, and joint mobilization. Cold compresses during the acute phase help constrict blood vessels and reduce joint swelling and pain. Low-frequency electrical stimulation promotes muscle relaxation and improves local blood circulation. Joint mobilization techniques help adjust joint positioning, alleviate joint locking, and restore normal range of motion.

3. Medication

Pharmacological treatment is commonly used for TMJ arthritis. Patients may take medications such as celecoxib capsules, naproxen tablets, and glucosamine sulfate capsules under medical supervision. Celecoxib and naproxen reduce inflammation and relieve joint pain. Glucosamine sulfate promotes cartilage synthesis, aids in repairing damaged cartilage, and improves joint function.

4. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

According to TCM, TMJ arthritis is associated with stagnation of qi and blood and insufficient nourishment of tendons and meridians. Treatment often involves using herbal medicines that promote qi circulation, activate blood flow, and relax tendons, such as Compound Danshen Tablets and Shujin Huoluo Pills. Acupuncture at acupoints like Jiache (ST6) and Xiaguan (ST7) can regulate local blood and qi circulation and relieve muscle spasms. Massage therapy helps relax jaw muscles, unblock meridians, reduce joint pressure, and alleviate discomfort.

5. Surgical Treatment

If conservative treatments fail and severe structural damage occurs in the joint, surgery may be necessary. Common procedures include arthroscopic disc repair and open joint arthroplasty. Arthroscopic surgery allows minimally invasive repair of damaged articular discs with reduced trauma. Open joint arthroplasty is suitable for severe joint deformities, where joint structures are reshaped to restore normal occlusion function.

In addition, patients should have regular follow-up visits during treatment to adjust the therapeutic plan based on joint recovery. Simple jaw functional exercises, such as slow opening and closing of the mouth or lateral movements of the lower jaw, can be performed daily to enhance joint stability. If pain worsens or difficulty in opening the mouth increases, prompt medical attention is required.