Treatments for osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is caused by cartilage degradation. This leads to symptoms like:

• pain
• inflammation
• stiffness

The best OA treatment will depend on your symptoms. It will also depend on your needs and the severity of your OA at the time of diagnosis.

Most doctors begin OA treatment with simple, non-invasive options. “Noninvasive” means the treatment won’t involve inserting anything into the body

However, you may need more intensive treatment if your symptoms aren’t manageable with lifestyle changes and medication. For some people, surgery (an invasive treatment) can be the best way to manage the symptoms of severe OA.