How is osteoarthritis treated?

Osteoarthritis changes the tissues of a joint over time and may cause pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced movement. Treatment is chosen according to the affected joint, examination findings, fitness, other health conditions and the activities you want to keep doing.

A rehabilitation plan may improve the muscles that support the joint and help you move with less strain. Symptoms such as Morning Joint Stiffness or recurring Joint Swelling should be described clearly because their pattern helps guide assessment.

Low-impact exercise, strengthening and pacing can support function. A physiotherapist may adapt walking, cycling, water exercise or home exercises to your joint and current ability. Helpful changes can include supportive footwear, equipment, task modification and gradual weight management when relevant.

Anti-Inflammatory Medication may help selected people, but stomach, kidney, heart, pregnancy and medicine interactions need checking. A Cortisone Injection can be discussed for a painful flare in some joints. Hyaluronic Acid Injection is another option a specialist may consider; suitability and expected benefit vary by joint and individual.

Book an assessment if pain is limiting work, sleep, walking or self-care, or if stiffness and swelling keep returning. Seek urgent advice for a suddenly hot, very swollen joint with fever, a major injury, or inability to use the limb. Rapid loss of movement also needs timely review rather than being attributed to ordinary wear alone.

Ask which exercises suit your joint, how to use pain relief safely, whether an injection is appropriate, and what changes should prompt review. Ask how Reduced Range of Motion will be measured and when a surgical opinion might be useful.