The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and improve function of the affected joints. This can be achieved with a combination of physical measures, drug therapy and, sometimes, surgery.

Physical measures – Exercise, support devices and thermal therapy are useful in OA. Some forms of unproven alternative treatment such as spa, massage, acupuncture and chiropractic manipulation can help relieve pain for a short duration, but usually are costly and require repeated treatments.

Drug Therapy – Available forms of drug therapy include topical and oral agents. Topical drugs, which include capsaicin cream, lidocaine, and diclofenac gel, can be applied directly on the skin overlying the affected joints. Oral pain relievers such as acetaminophen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used as first-line treatment. For more serious pain, stronger medications, such as narcotics, may be required. Joint injections with corticosteroids or a form of lubricant called hyaluronic acid (HA) derivatives have proven effective for some patients.

Surgery – Arthroscopy and/or joint replacement is considered when the joint is seriously damaged, or the patient is in intractable pain and experiencing significant loss of function.

Supplements – Many over-the-counter nutritional supplements have been used for treatment of OA, but most lack good research data to support their effectiveness and safety. Among the most widely used are glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate, calcium and vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. To ensure safety and avoid drug interaction, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these agents, especially in combination with prescribed drugs.