Osteoarthritis treatment often includes pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce joint pain and swelling. These can be taken orally, such as acetaminophen or diclofenac, or applied directly to the skin, such as capsaicin creams.
Doctors may also recommend treatments that improve joint lubrication, such as hyaluronic acid injections. These can help relieve pain and gradually improve joint mobility.
Treatment should always be guided by a doctor, with doses tailored to each individual. Some medications may cause side effects, including stomach ulcers or kidney problems. Physical therapy is also commonly recommended to improve movement and strengthen the affected joint.
The most common medications used for osteoarthritis treatment are:
1. Pain relievers
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is one of the main pain relievers used to help relieve osteoarthritis pain. According to the FDA, the total daily dose of acetaminophen should not be more than 4000 mg for adults and children 12 years and older.
Opioids, such as codeine and tramadol, are stronger pain relievers that may be considered when pain is severe and does not respond to other treatments. Because these medications can cause significant side effects and carry a risk of dependence, they are generally used only in selected cases and under close medical supervision.
There are also combinations of acetaminophen with opioids that may be used under medical guidance, such as acetaminophen with codeine or acetaminophen with tramadol.
2. Anti-inflammatory medications
Anti-inflammatory medications, such as diclofenac (Voltaren), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve), may be used to help relieve pain and inflammation.
These medications may be taken as pills or given as injections, and are usually used during flare-ups when prescribed by a doctor. Using them too often can cause side effects, such as stomach ulcers or kidney problems.
3. Slow-acting symptomatic medications
Slow-acting symptomatic treatments, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, are sometimes used to support joint health and lubrication.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, the American College of Rheumatology and Arthritis Foundation strongly recommend against using glucosamine alone or with chondroitin for knee osteoarthritis, as the best available evidence does not show meaningful benefits.
However, some people report symptom improvement while taking these supplements, and their use should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Another option that may be recommended for chronic osteoarthritis pain is duloxetine (Cymbalta), especially when other pain relievers are not effective or cannot be used.
4. Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, may be used in some cases when osteoarthritis symptoms are accompanied by significant inflammation. These medications should only be used under medical guidance.
Corticosteroids may also be injected directly into the joint by a doctor, typically no more often than every 3 months. These injections can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the affected joint.
Another injectable treatment option is hyaluronic acid, , which may help reduce pain and improve joint mobility, particularly in some people with knee arthritis.
5. Ointments
Topical medications, such as anti-inflammatory ointments or capsaicin, can be applied to the painful or inflamed area to help reduce pain and discomfort. They may be used 3 to 4 times a day for up to about 20 days, under medical guidance, and may help reduce the need for oral medications.
As a last resort, when symptoms are very intense and do not improve with medications or natural treatments, surgery may be needed. Surgery may involve removing inflamed tissue or replacing damaged cartilage.