Osteoarthritis: Causes, Treatments, and What Works Best

When your knees, hips, or hands start aching after walking or typing, it’s often not just aging—it’s osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease where cartilage breaks down over time, 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 always show up on X-rays until it’s already causing real discomfort.

Osteoarthritis isn’t just wear and tear. It’s an active process where your body tries to repair damaged cartilage but ends up triggering inflammation, swelling, and stiffness. This isn’t the same as rheumatoid arthritis, which is autoimmune. With osteoarthritis, the damage starts in the cartilage, the soft cushion between bones that absorbs shock during movement. As it thins, bones grind together, forming bone spurs and changing joint shape. You might notice it when climbing stairs, gripping a doorknob, or standing up after sitting too long. It’s not random—it’s mechanical, and it’s often tied to past injuries, weight, or repetitive motion.

What you do daily matters more than you think. Carrying extra weight puts five times the pressure on your knees. Sitting all day tightens your hips and weakens your glutes, making your joints work harder. Even sleeping on a mattress that doesn’t support your spine can make morning stiffness worse. The good news? You don’t need surgery or expensive drugs to slow it down. Movement—even gentle walking or swimming—helps keep fluid flowing in your joints. Strength training builds muscle around the joint, acting like a natural shock absorber. And while NSAIDs, like ibuprofen or naproxen, are commonly used to reduce pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis, they’re not a long-term fix. They mask the pain but don’t stop the damage. Topical creams, physical therapy, and even weight loss can be more effective over time.

People often assume osteoarthritis means giving up activity. But the real risk isn’t movement—it’s inactivity. Studies show that people who stay active with low-impact exercises report less pain and better mobility than those who rest. Supplements like glucosamine? The evidence is mixed. Some feel better, others don’t. What’s clearer: consistent movement, proper posture, and managing your weight make the biggest difference. If you’re on pain meds, know the risks. Long-term use of NSAIDs can harm your stomach or kidneys. Steroid injections? They help temporarily but can weaken tissue if done too often. There’s a balance.

Below, you’ll find real comparisons of treatments—from how common pain relievers stack up against newer options, to what works for joint stiffness without pills. You’ll see what doctors actually recommend now, not just what’s advertised. Whether you’re dealing with knee pain, finger stiffness, or hip discomfort, the advice here is practical, grounded, and focused on what changes your daily life—not just your prescription bottle.