Osteoarthritis Treatment: What Works, What Doesn't, and How to Stay Active

When your knees, hips, or hands start aching with every step, you're not just dealing with aging—you're dealing with osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease where cartilage breaks down, causing bone to rub against bone. Also known as degenerative joint disease, it affects over 32 million adults in the U.S. alone, and it’s not something you just have to live with. The good news? You don’t need surgery or strong painkillers to feel better. Many people find real relief by combining simple, proven strategies—like movement, weight control, and smart medication use.

Physical therapy, a structured program of exercises designed to improve joint function and reduce pain is one of the most effective tools for osteoarthritis treatment. It’s not about lifting heavy weights—it’s about learning how to move your joints safely, strengthen the muscles around them, and reduce stiffness. Studies show people who stick with physical therapy for 6–12 weeks report less pain and better mobility than those who only take pills. And it’s not just for knees. Hip and hand osteoarthritis respond just as well. Then there’s joint pain relief, the goal of any osteoarthritis plan, whether through medication, lifestyle changes, or both. Over-the-counter options like acetaminophen or topical NSAIDs (think gels and creams) work for mild to moderate pain without the stomach or heart risks of oral pills. For more severe cases, doctors may recommend corticosteroid injections, but these aren’t long-term fixes—they’re pauses, not cures.

Weight matters. Losing just 10 pounds can cut knee pain by 50% in people with osteoarthritis. It’s not magic—it’s physics. Every extra pound adds 3–4 pounds of pressure on your knees. And while supplements like glucosamine get a lot of attention, the science is mixed. Some people swear by them; others see no change. What’s clear? Moving daily—walking, swimming, cycling—keeps joints lubricated and muscles strong. Sitting still makes things worse.

You’ll find posts here that break down what medications actually help, which ones to skip, how to use them safely, and how physical therapy fits into real life—not just clinic visits. There’s advice on managing flare-ups, avoiding drug interactions, and even how to talk to your doctor about alternatives to opioids. No hype. No filler. Just what works, based on real patient results and clinical data.