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/

 

Joint pain isn’t always arthritis: 7 warning signs women shouldn’t ignore

From healthshots.com

By Dr Sharmila Tulpule 

Joint pain is a warning, not a diagnosis. Checking early signs of join pain will help you identify the cause and get the right treatment 

Joint pain is one of those things that many people think, “Oh, that’s just part of getting older” or “That’s just part of working too hard” or “I may have arthritis”. But for women, when they are in the middle of juggling their careers, keeping their homes running, and taking care of their families, it’s easy for them to sweep their constant discomforts or joint pain issues under the rug. Osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of joint pain in women, but there are several other types of medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, hormonal changes, infections, and nutritional deficiencies, among others, that cause this pain.

The sooner these warning signs are recognized, the better the chance of avoiding any long-term problems from these underlying medical conditions, Dr Sharmila Tulpule, orthopaedic surgeon and regenerative medicine specialist, tells Health Shots.

Persistent joint pain, swelling, or morning stiffness may indicate more than arthritis and should be evaluated by a doctor. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Warning signs that women in joint pain should not ignore

1. Stiffness of the joints in the morning for longer than an hour with pain

It is typically normal to experience some stiffness after being inactive, but if, after sleeping, you find that your joints are stiff beyond an hour each day, this could be a sign of an inflammatory disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis or RA) rather than simply a degenerative joint type of arthritis. Early identification of these issues is critically important because if diagnosed quickly, the treatment can prevent severely damaged joints and enable the patient to retain function in those same joints.

2. Swelling, redness, and warmth in the area of the joint

Noticeable swelling, redness, or warmth in a joint can indicate that there is an inflammatory process taking place, or an infection or autoimmunity. They should not be self-treated with just over-the-counter pain relievers, especially if they have occurred recently or have worsened over time.

3. The pain is caused by multiple joints being affected

Arthritis from age is mostly found in the larger bones of the skeleton that bear our body weight—for example, hips and knees. However, when several joints are involved at the same time, especially smaller joints—hands, wrists, ankles, and feet—this might indicate a systemic disease like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid issues.

4. Feeling tired continuously along with pain in the joints

If you are always tired no matter how well rested you are, it should raise a red flag. Fatigue, when there is joint pain present, could be from an autoimmune disease, chronic inflammation, and/or a vitamin deficiency. Many women mistakenly identify fatigue as a stress-related reason. However, if you have had fatigue for an extended period of time, you should consult your doctor.

                                                 Persistent tiredness can be linked to many health problems. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

5. Joint pain following fever or infection

Following a viral or other type of infection, a feverish experience will often leave behind rheumatic joint pain that should be considered very seriously. Some infections can create acute inflammatory reactions in your joints, and if not adequately treated, will potentially lead to chronic inflammatory conditions of your joints.

6. Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite

If you experience any unexplained weight loss or a lack of appetite, there may also be a systemic disease process underlying your arthritic joint pain. It should therefore require immediate evaluation to determine if there are serious underlying illnesses.

7. Difficulty performing everyday activities

Difficulty with daily activities due to joint pain is a sign of how poorly the patient’s condition impacts their quality of life as well as their ability to live independently. Obtaining timely medical counsel at this stage should allow for determining the cause and then starting an appropriate treatment course.

In many cases, women place the wellness of their family’s health ahead of their own. Nevertheless, chronic or atypical joint discomfort should not go unrecognized or be treated as a natural consequence of advancing years. Timely evaluation by a qualified physician will assist in evaluating the cause of the problem and potential risk for future development, as well as increase mobility and create an environment that enhances overall quality of life.

https://www.healthshots.com/preventive-care/self-care/joint-pain-isnt-always-arthritis-7-warning-signs-women-shouldnt-ignore/

Weight management: A key strategy for arthritis relief and better joint health

From msn.com/en-in

By Dr. Rajiv Ranjan Kumar

Having arthritis may be problematic, particularly if joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation disrupt daily life. Osteoarthritis is an incapacitating whole joint disease leading to severe pain and disability with huge healthcare burden. There are no disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs that have been approved, and therefore much of the attention is geared toward addressing modifiable risk factors to reduce symptoms and slow progression of the disease. Obesity is one of the most important risk factors for osteoarthritis symptoms and progression of disease, particularly for knee involvement.

Why weight matters

Having excess weight doesn't just put a strain on joints, it also leads to systemic inflammation, which further exacerbates the symptoms of arthritis. Weight reduction is one of the most popular interventions for managing obesity. Some recent research has demonstrated that weight loss of 5–10% total body weight affects pain improvement in knee osteoarthritis modestly, with, however, no substantial effect on structural outcome in osteoarthritis management. According to research, improvement by 20% from baseline pain is needed to achieve a clinically significant improvement in function and pain and requires a 10% weight loss; and for a patient with osteoarthritis to feel a reduction of 50% in pain, up to 25% weight loss is required.

Advantages of weight loss in arthritis

For individuals with arthritis, healthy weight maintenance can:

• Decrease joint pain and stiffness
• Enhance mobility and balance
• Decrease inflammation in the body
• Make arthritis drugs work more effectively
• Decrease joint replacement surgery needs

Exercise that favours Joint health

Activity is necessary, but it must be arthritis friendly. These exercises need to be focused on:

• Engage in moderate physical activity, moving to 30 minutes or more on most or ideally all days of the week
• Reduce both dietary fat and total calories. Although decreasing dietary fat will lower calories and is good for the heart, this technique alone, without calorie reduction, will fail to achieve weight loss
• Prioritize weight-maintenance after 6 months of weight-loss treatment

Seek professional support

Weight control is affected by numerous factors genetics, hormones, drugs, and emotional well-being. If you're having trouble, think about consulting a registered dietitian or healthcare professional. They will assist you in creating achievable goals, learning your nutrient requirements, and establishing a program that is compatible with your lifestyle and medical status.

For Osteoarthritis treatment, addressing obesity is key. Exercise and weight management are the best measures for Osteoarthritis symptom control and associated health outcomes. While individually modestly effective, exercise combined with weight loss brings the most benefits to the symptoms, particularly in adults with obesity. A range of evidence-based programs in clinical and community environments are available to encourage adults to be physically active and control weight, but these interventions are not being used adequately.

https://www.msn.com/en-in/health/other/weight-management-a-key-strategy-for-arthritis-relief-and-better-joint-health/ar-AA1OOlar