Effective Non-Drug & Medical Treatments for Osteoarthritis

Non-Pharmacologic Treatments

These treatments can be used alone or in combination:

- Lifestyle changes, such as weight management and exercise, can help reduce pain and stiffness

- Physical therapy can help strengthen muscles and improve flexibility

- Occupational therapy can help modify activities to reduce pain

- Joint protection, such as using a cane or walking aid, can help reduce stress on the affected joint

Pharmacologic Treatments

- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve)

- Prescription medications, such as opioids (Oxycontin, Percocet) or corticosteroids (Prednisone), may be used for more severe pain

- Topical agents, such as creams, gels, or patches, can help reduce pain and stiffness

- Herbal remedies, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and curcumin, may be helpful in some people

Surgical Treatments

- Arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure to remove damaged tissue

- Osteotomy, a procedure to realign the bone

- Joint replacement, a procedure to replace the damaged joint with a new one

Regenerative Medicine Techniques

- Stem cell therapy, a treatment using a patient’s own stem cells to repair damaged tissue

- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, a treatment using a patient’s own blood plasma to promote healing