Treatment of Osteoarthritis varies with the severity of symptoms and focuses on decreasing pain and improving joint movement. Treatment plans often include a combination of drugs, rest, physical activity, joint protection, use of heat or cold to reduce pain, and physical or occupational therapy.

For every one pound of weight lost, there is a four pound reduction in the load exerted on the knee for each step taken during daily activities.

Many people with Osteoarthritis use pain medications such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help reduce joint pain, stiffness and swelling.

Losing as few as 11 pounds can cut the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis by 50 percent for some women. Physical activity keeps joints flexible and maintains or improves muscle strength (i.e Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program or Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program). Joint protection prevents strain or stress on painful joints.

• Weight control is important for prevention of and to slow the progression of Osteoarthritis affecting the weight-bearing joints (knees and hips) and low back.
• Weight loss of only 15 pounds can cut knee pain in half for overweight individuals with arthritis.

Corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid derivatives can be injected into joints that are unresponsive to treatment. Dietary supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have been shown in some studies of knee Osteoarthritis to relieve pain and improve joint function in severe Osteoarthritis.

Surgery is an important consideration in people with advanced Osteoarthritis associated with joint damage and/or marked limitations in joint function.