Treatments for Osteoarthritis

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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 changesMedicationsSurgeryAlternative and complementary therapiesOther treatments

Revision Information

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.

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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.