Read up on Osteoarthritis treatment options at Consumer Reports Health.

Osteoarthritis

Key points about treatments

There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but there are treatments that can help control the pain and discomfort it causes, as well as help you move more freely.

Key points about treating osteoarthritis

You'll probably need a combination of treatments to control your symptoms, rather than just one treatment.
What works for you may be different from what works for someone else. You will need to work with your doctor to find the best combinations of treatments that suit you and your lifestyle.
You may wish to try a dietary supplement such as glucosamine or chondroitin, although there's not enough research to say whether they work. There’s no evidence so far that they have side effects.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) work well to control pain in the short term. These drugs can have side effects.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may also work to control pain, but not as well as NSAIDs.
Exercising moderately but regularly may reduce your pain and help you stay active.
Surgery to replace a knee or hip usually works well, and the benefits last for at least 10 years. Other joints with arthritis can sometimes be replaced, too, but we haven't looked at the research on replacing them.

This information was last updated on Jun 25, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
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