‘Even my best friend didn’t know’: Usman Khawaja reveals why he kept his rheumatoid arthritis a secret

From theguardian.com

• Opener played through pain to establish himself as a Test cricketer

• ‘I didn’t want anyone to use it against me,’ he says

• 
  

Usman Khawaja has opened up on why he kept the rheumatoid arthritis that threatened his playing future a secret for his entire Test career.

The former Test star releases his autobiography, Sabr, on 10 November, which he said he wrote “for people who do love cricket and for those who don’t”.

“We are all human and go through the ups and downs of life. I go through the ups and downs of cricket and it gets accentuated because everyone gets to see it,” Khawaja said.

One key aspect of Khawaja’s career the public did not know about was the arthritis diagnosis at the age of 22 after the pain in his left knee was so great he couldn’t walk 10m to the bathroom.

Only regular injections kept him on his feet and able to play cricket. He still has them.

“It was debilitating. I took an injection last night,” Khawaja said in Brisbane on Monday. “It was part of the reason that I did my back at the end of my career, but I couldn’t tell anyone.

“I never got injured before I had my arthritic illness, but after that I got injured quite a lot and had to find a way to get my body in the right spot. Even my best friend from high school, Ardil, didn’t know until one year ago.”

The reason Khawaja didn’t open up about it? “I didn’t want anyone to use it against me,” he said. “I felt like I already had all these stereotypes I was trying to beat in Australian cricket, and I didn’t want to use that as an excuse.”

Usman Khawaja has said he played through pain for most of his career after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Photograph: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images for Cricket Australia

Keeping the illness secret was a feat in itself. He said he was thankful the people who did know initially at Cricket NSW, Cricket Australia and various medical staff “kept to their ethical code and didn’t say anything”.

Khawaja, who made 6,229 Test runs with 16 centuries, did not engage a ghost writer for his book for one simple reason.

“I didn’t think anyone could encapsulate my story like I could because no one has been through the same journey in Australian cricket like I have,” he said.

“The immigrant, brown, Pakistani Muslim kid coming from overseas to play our national game is something I didn’t feel comfortable someone else writing about.”

Khawaja met with Australia captain Pat Cummins to tell him about the aspect of his book that deals with the infamous Sandpapergate ball-tampering episode in South Africa in 2018.

“I didn’t come out in my book to shock and awe,” Khawaja grinned. “It is my story. People have learned over time that I am pretty open and honest about most things. My goal for my story was to relate to everyone.

“I love autobiographies, and cricket ones in particular. I found that people talked a lot about the cricket but not a lot about themself a lot of the time.”

Khawaja writes about his subcontinent life and then his life as a cricketer in Australia. He said there were “funny stories” and “great learnings”.

“There are also some tough times with racial vilification, but amalgamated together it is a different story to anything you would have read in a cricket autobiography,” he said.

Khawaja has proven to be a trailblazer in Australian cricket who opened a door for others to follow.

“There hadn’t been another me before me, but now there are plenty of players with a subcontinent background coming in,” he said. “You’ve got Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha and Gurinder Sandhu.”

Tanveer Sangha and Sandhu have both played white-ball cricket for Australia.

“They haven’t cracked the Tests, which is the hardest,” Khawaja said. “That is always the goal. When we start seeing the Test team represented by the multicultural community, that is when you know you have started to make headway.”

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/oct/26/usman-khawaja-reveals-why-he-kept-rheumatoid-arthritis-secret

Scientists find that the body’s warmth sensor is secretly a pain switch

From technology.org

University of Warwick scientists have found that a sensor in our nerve endings that detects warm temperatures also plays a direct role in switching on chronic pain signals, a discovery that could lead to better treatments for conditions that affect millions of people. 

Image credit: University of Warwick

Chronic pain, including arthritis pain, affects over a third of UK adults. Current painkillers such as methotrexate and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) work by damping down the immune system, which is overproducing inflammatory agents to cause the pain, but their relief is often short-lived, incomplete, and can leave patients more vulnerable to infection.

Researchers at Warwick’s School of Life Sciences have found an alternative target for alleviating chronic pain – a channel called TRPM2. TRPM2 was previously known mainly as a ‘warmth sensor’ on sensory nerve endings, helping the body detect mild, non-painful, heat.

In the new work published in PNAS, the team discovered that TRPM2 has a second, more troubling job. They found that TRPM2 on sensory nerves is also a pain generator. Prostaglandin E2, a chemical released during inflammation, and autoantibodies, immune proteins produced by the body’s own immune cells, both act directly on TRPM2 to switch on pain signals in nerve cells.

“We found that TRPM2 works like a convergent pain switch, taking very different immune and inflammatory signals and converting them into the electrical impulses that the brain reads as pain,” said lead author, Dr Xuming Zhang, School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick. “These signals also switch TRPM2 on through completely unexpected routes, bypassing the cell’s usual signalling pathways entirely.”

As a demonstration of its role in pain, mouse models with TRPM2 removed from nerve cells showed pain caused by prostaglandin E2 and autoantibodies was completely prevented. Chronic arthritis pain and nerve injury pain were also substantially reduced, even though the underlying immune and inflammatory response carried on largely as normal. This suggests TRPM2 is a separate, direct route to pain, working alongside inflammation rather than being caused by it.

Most strikingly, blocking TRPM2 with a drug injected into the joint completely reversed arthritis pain in mice, and the relief lasted two days after a single dose, without dampening the joint inflammation itself.

Dr Zhang continued: “What surprised us most was how completely and how long TRPM2 blockade relieved chronic arthritis pain. That points to TRPM2 as a genuinely promising drug target for treating chronic pain more effectively than current options allow.”

The findings also raise an intriguing biological puzzle: how does a protein built to detect harmless warmth end up driving some of the body’s most stubborn pain? Dr Zhang’s team suggests different populations of TRPM2-carrying nerve cells may be responsible for each job, a question they hope to explore next.

The research was led by co-first authors Dr. Mujahid Alizada, Linda Varghese and Jinquan Yang and was funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC), the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and Versus Arthritis UK, and is published in PNAS, DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2532289123.

https://www.technology.org/2026/10/25/scientists-find-that-the-bodys-warmth-sensor-is-secretly-a-pain-switch/

Doctors Reveal 5 Early Signs of Arthritis You Should Always Get Checked Out

From prevention.com

Some are more subtle than others 

If you find yourself developing new aches and pains as you get older, it’s normal to wonder whether you could be dealing with arthritis. But while the condition is associated with joint pain and swelling, those symptoms don’t usually come on hard and fast. Luckily, catching the early signs of arthritis and taking action can help lower the odds you’ll be even more uncomfortable down the road.

It's worth noting that there are many types of arthritis and, if you suspect you may have any of them, it’s important to get an evaluation from a healthcare professional. But when most people think of arthritis, they’re often referring to osteoarthritis, which is the most common.

Osteoarthritis happens when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time. “Once damage to cartilage occurs, we do not currently have a way for it to be regenerated or grown back,” explains Jeffrey Zarin, M.D., orthopaedic surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Los Angeles. However, it’s possible to slow down the progression and take steps to support your joints going forward.

If you’re dealing with joint pain and discomfort, don’t chalk it up to getting older. “Arthritis, while common, is not a ‘normal’ part of aging,” says Will Harvey, M.D., rheumatologist at Tufts Medical Center and president of the American College of Rheumatology. “Pain or other symptoms interfering with daily life should be evaluated.”

Not sure if it could be osteoarthritis? Doctors recommend looking out for these early signs.

Common early signs of arthritis

Not all joint pain is due to arthritis, but there are a few key signs that can surface early to be aware of.

You have joint pain with activity.

“Pain with vigorous activity is somewhat normal, but this is usually muscular pain or soreness,” Dr. Harvey says, which is usually harmless. “Pain in the joints themselves is a more typical sign of arthritis.”

Adaobi Okechukwu, M.D., a primary care physician with Mercy Personal Physicians at Overlea, refers to osteoarthritis pain as “use-related.” That means it gets worse when you load the joint by doing things like walking, climbing stairs, and squatting, and gets better with rest. “It happens because the smooth cartilage that normally cushions the joint is beginning to break down, so the joint no longer glides and absorbs load as effortlessly as it once did,” she explains.

Hiraman//Getty Images

You have brief morning stiffness.

Feeling stiff when you wake up is a “classic” sign you’re dealing with inflammation. “When you do not move your joints when you are sleeping, and you first get up in the morning, the inflammation of inactivity can give a sensation of stiffness until you start to move the joints,” Dr. Zarin says.

This stiffness usually lasts less than 30 minutes, according to Dr. Harvey. You may also notice pain at the end of the day that’s worse than in the morning, he adds.

Your joints click, pop, or crack.

This is a “very common” symptom, according to Dr. Harvey. “I always ask patients if it hurts when this happens,” he says. “Painless popping or cracking is not likely to represent a major problem.” This could simply be due to gas bubbles in your joints, although it can be a sign of arthritis when it’s coupled with other symptoms, per Dr. Zarin. “If the cartilage is not smooth and slippery the way it is supposed to be, certain movements can make mechanical noises or [a sense] of catching,” he says.

You have reduced flexibility.

Your flexibility will naturally go down if you don’t stretch. But you can also lose flexibility due to mechanical issues and inflammation tied to arthritis, according to Dr. Zarin. “If it is swelling around a joint from inflammation, that can decrease the ability of the tissues to move,” he says, which can make it harder to move as you once did.

This can look like trouble bending or straightening your joint as much as you could in the past, fully flexing a knee, or reaching as far as you used to, according to Dr. Okechukwu. “This loss of range of motion is a core feature of osteoarthritis,” she says. “Over time, this reduced flexibility layered on top of pain is a major reason osteoarthritis interferes with everyday tasks.”

You have mild joint swelling.

Joint swelling is a signal of inflammation, Dr. Zarin says. “When inflammation occurs, the body increases the circulation to the area where the problem is,” he explains. “This can cause fluid build-up, warmth, and the sensation or appearance of swelling.”

If you have joints that quickly swell up and then dissipate, or if you have swelling that sticks around, Dr. Harvey recommends you get it evaluated sooner rather than later. “Joints that are slowly getting larger likely represent arthritis,” he says.

Why it’s important to spot signs of arthritis early

If you suspect that you’re developing arthritis, Dr. Zarin says it’s best to take action sooner rather than later. There are interventions you can take that are more likely to help you if they’re introduced in the early stages.

“Prevention of the progression of arthritis is related to things that help protect the forces on the joint,” he says. That often means doing what you can to keep the muscles around your joint strong and avoiding high-impact activities that may cause further degradation, according to Dr. Zarin. If you have obesity, weight loss may also help, he adds.

“If it is identified early that there is some degenerative change in a joint, making life choices to help protect the joint can help prevent its progression and prolong healthy function as long as possible,” he says.

What to do if you notice early signs of arthritis

“It’s always a good idea to flag your symptoms to a primary care physician,” says Remy Rabinovich, M.D., orthopaedic surgeon at Northwell’s Lenox Hill Hospital. They will likely order X-rays or blood tests to dig a little deeper.

From there, your provider may refer you to someone who specializes in joints in the area where you're having discomfort. Just don’t sit on things if you’re uncomfortable. “If your symptoms are significant and are interfering with daily life, as opposed to an annoyance, it’s a good signal that you may need to be evaluated by a rheumatologist or other specialist,” Dr. Harvey says.

https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a74207360/arthritis-early-signs/

Robot Arthur in UK-first for hand arthritis scans

From bbc.co.uk/news

A robot is being used for the first time in the UK to scan patients' hands and wrists to speed up rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis.

Arthur, at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading scans while AI program Diana interprets the images and sends the results to clinicians so patients get a treatment plan the same day.

Professor Antoni Chan, consultant rheumatologist and physician said: "We are delighted to be the first site in the UK to use Arthur. Earlier diagnosis is very important as joint damage can occur if treatment is delayed."

By using the robot, the hospital hopes to increase patients and offer those with rheumatoid arthritis more frequent scans so their treatment can be monitored.

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

James Blythe, chief executive officer at the trust said: "There are seven countries around the world that use this technology and we are the first place in the UK to bring it on stream.

"This investment is about using technology to deliver real improvements for our patients and colleagues.

"It means we can get to patients earlier and make interventions that add years to life and life to years."

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust (RBFT) said its rheumatology department in Reading currently carries out 200 hand MRIs a year with demand for their services rising every year.

Prof Chan said: "We can see patients on the day of the clinic they can have the scans and then we can make a decision - this does not replace clinician this helps the decision making and then we can proceed with treatment.

"It really improves the time to diagnose so we don't delay treatment."

The trust said the robot forms part of the wider work taking place across RBFT to invest in technology.

It said other examples included recent investment in new pharmacy dispensing robots, and our work with AI in the to speed up the diagnosis of patients who have had a stroke.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx98z65zj775o 

13 Over-the-Counter and Natural Treatments for People With Osteoarthritis

From everydayhealth.com

Osteoarthritis is a common cause of joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. With this degenerative joint disease, the cartilage that cushions the joints wears away over time. There's no cure, but if you keep the joints mobile and maintain your overall health, you can live more easily with osteoarthritis and slow the onset of mobility problems. 

Medical intervention can help to manage symptoms of osteoarthritis. In fact, seeing a doctor to get a proper diagnosis is the best first step to take. From there, your doctor will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan to reduce joint pain. That plan may include both medical and natural remedies, like physical activity, a healthy diet, and supplements. 

Alamy; Canva; Andriy Popov/Alamy

Here, get a closer look at some nonpharmacological strategies for managing symptoms of osteoarthritis, plus what the research says.

Home and OTC Remedies for Osteoarthritis

Some home and over-the-counter (OTC) remedies can support medical treatment for osteoarthritis.

Pain Relief Medication

OTC medication can relieve the pain and discomfort that occurs with osteoarthritis.

According to guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology and Arthritis Foundation (ACR/AF), all treatment for osteoarthritis should be personalized by a doctor to each patient's specific case. One common treatment that can be effective for many is using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). This might mean topical gels, such as diclofenac (Voltaren), which are available without a prescription. (Gels containing capsaicin, which is not an NSAID, are another topical option that might relieve some forms of osteoarthritis pain.)

Oral NSAIDS, such as ibuprofen (Advil), are also available OTC and provide temporary pain relief. If they don't help, your doctor can prescribe a stronger version. To decide on the best course of action for your specific osteoarthritis symptoms, speak with a doctor. Some people may have adverse effects, depending on the drug and dose.

Heat and Cold Treatment

Alternating heat and cold applications may bring temporary relief from stiffness and inflammation. A common treatment option for rheumatoid arthritis, heat and cold treatment for knee, hip, and hand osteoarthritis in some cases is supported by ACR/AF guidelines. Heat and cold applications have different effects, but both can be useful.

If you're alternating heat and cold, the Arthritis Foundation recommends applying one for around 20 minutes, then waiting two hours before the next application.

Heat Treatment

Heat relaxes stiff joints and enlarges the blood vessels. This improves circulation and allows more blood and oxygen to reach the joint. 

Some heat application options include using a hot water bottle, taking a warm bath or shower, using an electric heating pad, and dipping your hands or feet in melted paraffin wax. 

Tips: 

• You'll get most of the benefit in the first 20 minutes.
• Always check the heat before you apply to avoid burns.
• Avoid heat if you have a flare or an injury. 

Cool Packs

Cool or cold packs reduce blood flow and decrease swelling and inflammation. Use cold therapy if you have a warm, swollen, or inflamed joint.

To make a cool compress, fill a plastic bag with ice and wrap it in a towel, or buy a cool pack from your pharmacy.

Tips: 

• Never apply ice directly to the skin, as it can burn.
• As with heat, 20 minutes of cold application will give you the best benefits. 

TENS Machine

Some people find that using a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machine helps them manage osteoarthritis pain, although the current ACR/AF guidelines don't recommend TENS for osteoarthritis treatment.

Some studies support that TENS use helped people with knee osteoarthritis improve muscle strength and reduce pain, but broader, higher-quality research is needed.

A TENS machine is likely safe for most people to use, but it's best to check first with a doctor. It's not recommended for use during pregnancy or if you have epilepsy or a pacemaker.

Weight Management

Current guidelines strongly recommend managing your weight if you have osteoarthritis.

Maintaining a healthy weight can prevent unnecessary strain on your joints. Obesity can also increase the risk of systemic inflammation, which may worsen osteoarthritis.

Diet and exercise are important factors in weight management. Your doctor may prescribe weight loss medication or other treatments if they have particular concerns. The 2026 ACR/AF guideline update specifically added a new conditional recommendation supporting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, alongside diet and exercise, to help eligible people with knee osteoarthritis and obesity reach a healthy weight.

Low-Impact Exercise and Physical Therapy

Physical activity is essential for keeping the joints mobile, maintaining muscle strength, and managing body weight. While osteoarthritis can make exercise seem daunting, continuing to move can help to reduce pain. 

Your doctor can help you decide which exercises are best for you. These usually involve low-impact activities, as high-impact activities — such as running — may worsen symptoms and increase the risk of additional injuries. 

Low-impact exercises particularly well-poised to benefit your joints without putting too much strain on them include:

• Swimming
• Cycling, including fixed cycling
• Walking
• Aerobic exercise
• Strength training
• Mobility exercises
• Flexibility training
• Balance exercises
• Low-impact and meditative workouts such as yoga, Pilates, and tai chi 

A doctor or a specialized trainer can help you design a plan tailored to your symptoms that you'll also enjoy and feel motivated to stick to.

You can expect to feel a little pain during and after exercise, but you may need to change your plan if you have:

• Pain you would score over 5 on a scale of 0 to 10
• Pain that lasts several hours after exercise
• Swollen joints

If you're experiencing any of those issues, you may need to reduce the number of repetitions or do less strenuous exercises for a while. In the case of exercise-related pain, it's also a smart idea to speak about it with your doctor or a physical therapist.

Physical Therapy

Working with a physical therapist helps to ensure you create a fitness plan that's tailored to your fitness level and osteoarthritis symptoms. For osteoarthritis of the knee, for example, they may recommend exercises to improve strength, mobility, and coordination such as:

• Step-ups
• Standing and sitting from a chair
• Seated exercises to strengthen your thigh muscles

By assessing you first, the physical therapist will be able to help design a plan that includes exercises you will be able to perform safely. However, you should also listen to your body and not continue doing any exercises that feel uncomfortable or cause pain.

Healthy Eating

Dietary choices can make a difference if you have osteoarthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, a suitable diet can help:

• Manage weight
• Reduce inflammation
• Protect against various diseases
• Lower blood pressure and protect the heart

What to Eat (and Avoid)

The Mediterranean diet is a particularly healthy option for people with osteoarthritis. This diet focuses on:

• Fish
• Nuts and seeds
• Fruits
• Vegetables, including nightshade vegetables, such as tomatoes
• Olive oil
• Beans, lentils, and other pulses
• Whole grains

Similar diets, including the DASH diet, are other smart options. To pick the best eating plan for your needs, ask a doctor or nutritionist for guidance.

Though there are healthy diets that can help with osteoarthritis symptoms, other styles of eating are ripe to aggravate inflammation and increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other complications that make living with osteoarthritis more difficult.

Here are some foods to limit or avoid:

• Sugar, including fructose
• Saturated fats present in red meat and dairy products
• Partially hydrogenated oils found in many fast foods and processed foods
• Omega-6 fatty acids present in corn oil and other oils, mayonnaise, and salad dressings
• Refined carbs found in white bread, instant mashed potatoes, and white rice
• Monosodium glutamate, a flavouring added to fast foods, premade soups, and deli meats
• Aspartame, an artificial sweetener
• Alcohol

A doctor or a nutritionist can advise you on dietary tips and, if necessary, a weight loss plan, as weight management is another component of osteoarthritis management for some.

Stress-Reduction Strategies That Help Osteoarthritis

Stress can increase the risk of pain and inflammation, according to scientists. Stress is also associated with depression, fatigue, memory loss, and other problems.

Consider trying one or several of the following strategies to help manage stress:

• Meditation
• Mindfulness
• Breathing exercises
• Meditative exercises, such as yoga and tai chi
• Staying in touch with friends and family
• Maintaining active involvement in your treatment plan 
• Doing relaxing activities, such as taking a warm bath or listening to music
• Making time to do activities you enjoy
• Sharing how you feel with others

The ACR/AF recommends massage therapy as a treatment for osteoarthritis only in some cases.  Regardless, it may help to boost relaxation. The latest ACR/AF guidelines also conditionally recommend acupuncture for knee, hip, and hand osteoarthritis, making it another option worth discussing with a doctor.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a type of counselling that equips people with the tools to see situations in new ways and find novel solutions to existing challenges. A research review from 2022 found evidence that CBT may help people with knee or hip osteoarthritis manage pain, sleep problems, and depression.

Lifestyle Changes for Osteoarthritis Management

Home adjustments, devices, and good sleep can also improve the quality of life for people with osteoarthritis.

Home Installation Devices

Certain in-home installations, such as railings or ramps, can help to keep you safe and make it easier to continue your regular daily life. 

The type of home adjustments most likely to benefit you will depend on how your osteoarthritis affects you. You may need more adjustments over time.

Here are some examples:

• Home Improvements Grab rails, ramps, night lights, stair lifts, and other devices can help you move around more easily and reduce the risk of falls.
• Accessibility Devices Examples include jar openers, reachers, easy-grip utensils, remote controls for light switches, and raised toilet seats. 
• Mobility Aids Canes, walking frames, shopping trolleys, braces, and mobility scooters can help keep you mobile and independent while preventing falls.

Sleep Hygiene and Osteoarthritis

Around 70 percent of people with osteoarthritis have sleep disturbances. Pain can lead to insomnia, but insomnia may also worsen pain.

Getting enough quality sleep can help reduce pain and boost overall well-being. Prioritizing sleep may also reduce inflammation.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most adults need at least seven hours of sleep within each 24-hour cycle, though some individuals may need more.

If you have osteoarthritis, joint pain may have disturbed your sleep. Some evidence suggests inadequate sleep might worsen osteoarthritis.

Some research has found that people with irregular sleep patterns tend to have higher levels of inflammation in their bodies, while others have linked disturbed sleep with osteoarthritis.

Here are some tips for getting a good night's sleep:

• Put away devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime and leave them in another room overnight.
• Avoid large meals and alcohol before bed.
• Consume caffeine only in the morning.
• Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature.
• As best as you can, go to sleep and get up at the same time every day, including weekends.
• Be physically active during the day.
• If you have trouble sleeping because of insomnia or pain, talk with a doctor about treatment options.

Supplements and Herbal Remedies for Osteoarthritis

Some supplements and home remedies may help with osteoarthritis, but they don't all have strong scientific evidence to support their use. 

Some research suggests the following herbs and spices might benefit people with osteoarthritis because of their anti-inflammatory effects:

• Chamomile 
• Ginger
• Turmeric
• Boswellia
• Ashwagandha

A 2025 systematic review and network meta-analysis found that, compared with a placebo intervention, certain turmeric formulations may meaningfully reduce knee osteoarthritis pain. Some turmeric preparations performed comparably to standard pain medications.

In each case, more research is needed to confirm the therapeutic efficacy of the supplement for easing osteoarthritis symptoms, as there are obstacles to treatment. For example, many herbs and spices contain antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties, but it's not possible to consume the amount needed to make a difference. In the future, drugs made from these compounds might prove effective for osteoarthritis.

Supplements and Therapies Not Supported by Research

The following remedies don't have significant research to back their effectiveness. Always check with your doctor before you use supplements or other complementary therapies. Some herbal remedies and supplements may have adverse effects or interact with other treatments.

The ACR/AF guidelines specifically do not recommend the following as a treatment for osteoarthritis, due to a lack of evidence supporting their safety and effectiveness:

• Colchicine (Colcrys)
• Fish oil
• Vitamin D therapy
• Chondroitin and glucosamine
• Hyaluronic acid injections
• Botox treatment
• Prolotherapy
• Platelet-rich plasma treatment
• Stem cell injections

When to See a Doctor About Osteoarthritis Management

If you have joint pain and stiffness that could be osteoarthritis, speak with a doctor. 

They can assess and diagnose you, and then help you make a plan for both medical and nonmedical remedies, which may include herbal remedies, exercise, and more.

An unsuitable exercise, device, or supplement can exacerbate symptoms or may not work, rendering such options a waste of time and money.

The Takeaway

• Many home and natural remedies can be effective for managing symptoms of osteoarthritis, often in conjunction with prescribed medical interventions. 
• Some natural remedies for osteoarthritis that can be effective for certain people include exercise, home devices, and relaxation techniques.
• Always work with a doctor for your individualized treatment plan, and check with them before adding any new remedies.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/rheumatic-conditions/otc-and-natural-osteoarthritis-care/