Osteoarthritis: Causes, Treatments, and What Really Works

When your knees, hips, or hands start aching after moving or standing for too long, it’s often not just aging—it’s osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease where cartilage breaks down, causing bone to rub against bone. Also known as degenerative joint disease, it’s the leading cause of chronic joint pain in adults over 50, and it doesn’t just affect the elderly—overuse, injury, or even genetics can trigger it earlier. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune attack, osteoarthritis is mechanical wear-and-tear. It doesn’t flare up randomly; it gets worse with movement, pressure, and time.

What makes osteoarthritis tricky is that it doesn’t show up on blood tests. Diagnosis comes from symptoms, physical exams, and X-rays showing narrowing joint space or bone spurs. And while many think meds are the answer, the most effective long-term fix isn’t a pill—it’s movement. Physical therapy for pain, a structured program of exercise, stretching, and strength training to restore joint function has been proven in studies to reduce pain as well as, or better than, NSAIDs—without the stomach or heart risks. Walking, tai chi, and targeted leg strengthening aren’t just suggestions; they’re medical interventions backed by data.

When drugs are needed, options vary. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen help mild cases, but they don’t stop progression. For moderate to severe pain, injections like corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid offer temporary relief, but they’re not cures. And here’s something most people don’t know: biosimilars, highly similar versions of biologic drugs developed to treat autoimmune conditions aren’t used for osteoarthritis—because osteoarthritis isn’t autoimmune. But that doesn’t mean new drug options aren’t coming. Researchers are testing drugs that slow cartilage loss, and some are exploring whether drugs originally made for rheumatoid arthritis could be repurposed.

Weight matters. Every extra pound adds three pounds of pressure on your knees. Losing even 10% of body weight can cut pain in half. And while supplements like glucosamine get a lot of hype, large studies show they don’t work better than placebo for most people. What does work? Consistent low-impact activity, proper footwear, and avoiding repeated stress on the joint.

There’s no magic bullet, but there are proven paths. The posts below cover real-world strategies—from how physical therapy can rebuild joint strength without drugs, to why some pain meds work better than others, and how newer treatments are changing the game. You won’t find fluff here—just what actually helps people manage osteoarthritis day after day.