Arthritis Pain: What Actually Helps?
Arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain as we get older. But “arthritis” includes many different conditions. Osteoarthritis, the most common form, is different from inflammatory autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation, pain, swelling, and stiffness. Unlike osteoarthritis, it usually requires medications that control the underlying immune disease, not just treatments for pain.
Osteoarthritis commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Although changes in cartilage and other joint tissues are involved, the amount of arthritis seen on an X-ray does not always correspond closely to how much pain a person experiences.
Exercise May Be More Important Than It Sounds
It can seem logical to protect an arthritic joint by using it less. But regular exercise is one of the most consistently recommended treatments for osteoarthritis.
Walking, strengthening exercises, water exercise, and other manageable activities can improve strength and function and may reduce pain. Stronger muscles can also help support an affected joint.
Physical therapy can be particularly useful when pain has caused weakness, stiffness, balance problems, or changes in the way someone walks.
What About Medications?
Pain relievers can help, but each has limitations.
Topical anti-inflammatory medicines, such as diclofenac gel, can be useful for knee or hand arthritis and generally expose the body to less medication than pills.
Oral anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen may reduce pain, but they can cause stomach bleeding, kidney problems, and cardiovascular complications, concerns that become particularly important with age.
Acetaminophen may help some people, although its effect on osteoarthritis pain is often modest.
Do Injections Help?
Corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief for some painful joints, particularly the knee. They do not repair the arthritis, and repeated injections have potential disadvantages.
Other injections, including hyaluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), are widely offered. Research results are mixed, and recommendations differ among medical organizations.
What About Supplements?
Supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, turmeric or curcumin are widely used for osteoarthritis.
The evidence is mixed. Glucosamine and chondroitin have produced inconsistent results, and several major medical guidelines do not recommend them routinely for knee or hip osteoarthritis.
Curcumin, an ingredient in turmeric, may be more promising. Several studies and reviews have found modest improvements in knee pain and function, although the studies vary considerably in quality and in the products and doses tested.
Supplements may help some people, but the evidence is not as strong or consistent as it is for exercise and several established treatments.
When Is Joint Replacement Appropriate?
For severe hip or knee arthritis that substantially limits everyday life despite other treatments, joint replacement can provide major improvements in pain and mobility.
Surgery is not the first treatment for osteoarthritis, but neither should severe pain and disability automatically be accepted as an unavoidable part of aging.
The most effective approach often combines several strategies: staying active, maintaining strength, using medications selectively, and considering additional treatments when pain continues to interfere with everyday life.
Learn More
Arthritis Foundation — Osteoarthritis
A practical overview of osteoarthritis, including symptoms, exercise, medications, and other treatment options.
Mayo Clinic — Osteoarthritis
Clear information about diagnosis and treatment, including exercise, physical therapy, medications, injections, and joint replacement.
NCCIH — Osteoarthritis: In Depth
A useful review from the National Institutes of Health of complementary approaches for osteoarthritis, including glucosamine, chondroitin, and other supplements.