Avoiding Stress on the Joints

• In many cases, the symptoms of osteoarthritis are aggravated by certain activities that put stress on the joints like running and playing tennis. Avoiding these activities may prevent symptoms.
  
  

Non-Impact Exercise

• Regular non-impact exercise of joints afflicted by osteoarthritis accomplishes two things: It helps keep the muscles strong, and it can prevent the joint from becoming stiff, which can lead to pain. Swimming is one example of a non-impact exercise.
  
  

NSAIDs

• Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) can also be useful for treating osteoarthritis. Common examples include aspirin and ibuprofen.
  
  

Cortisone and Hyaluronic Injections

• Cortisone, a corticosteroid, can relieve pain and swelling with osteoarthritis when injected. Another treatment, hyaluronic acid, also helps by replacing the fluid in the joint.
  
  

Surgery

• When all other treatment options have been explored and are found to be insufficient, surgical intervention may be necessary. This involves replacing the joint with an implant.