Managing joint pain from osteoarthritis doesn’t always require an immediate trip to the operating room. There are several non-surgical treatments that can help lower your discomfort, keep you moving, and improve your daily quality of life.
Below is a breakdown of the most common non-surgical options, along with what evidence from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) shows about how well they work.
1. Medications
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Anti-Inflammatories (Advil, Aleve, Voltaren Gel): Great for reducing both pain and joint swelling. Take oral pills with food.
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Tylenol: Helps lower pain, though it doesn’t reduce swelling.
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Avoid Narcotics: Strong prescription opioids (like Vicodin) do not help arthritis pain long-term and can make future recovery harder.
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2. Injections
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Cortisone: Acts like a direct anti-inflammatory inside the joint. Offers quick, temporary relief (usually around 2 months).
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“Gel” Injections (Hyaluronic Acid): Lubricates the knee joint. It doesn’t work for everyone, but can help delay surgery.
3. Weight Loss
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Lighten the Load: Every 1 pound you lose removes 3 to 5 pounds of pressure from your knees and hips.
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Losing just 5 pounds takes 25 pounds of force off your joints every time you walk!
4. Exercise & Physical Therapy
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Strengthening the muscles around your joints creates built-in “shock absorbers.”
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A physical therapist can give you simple exercises to make walking, bending, and climbing stairs much easier.
5. Braces
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Knee braces can offer extra support and reduce pain, though some people find them a bit bulky.
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6. Alternative Options
Therapies like acupuncture, massage, chiropractic care, PRP injections, and shoe insoles don’t have strong medical proof yet, but they are generally safe to try if you want extra relief.