Treatments for Osteoarthritis

The treatment and management of osteoarthritis involves lifestyle changes, medicines, other treatments, alternative and complementary therapies, and surgery.

The goals of treatment include:

Controlling pain
Improving mobility and joint use
Minimizing disability, returning normal function
Slowing the progression of osteoarthritis
Protecting other joints from developing osteoarthritis

Treatment involves the following:

Lifestyle changes Medications Surgery Alternative and complementary therapies Other treatments

References

Arthritis Foundation website. Available at: http://www.arthritis.org/ .

Conn’s Current Therapy . 54th ed. W.B. Saunders Company; 2002.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/ .

Manek NJ, Lane NE. Osteoarthritis: current concepts in diagnosis and management. American Family Physician . 2000;51(6). Available at: http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000315/1795.html.

Revision Information

Reviewer: Marcin Chwistek, MD
Review Date: 09/2011
Update Date: 09/22/2011

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.