Non-Operative Treatment of Hip & Knee Osteoarthritis

Overview

Osteoarthritis (OA) can often be managed successfully without surgery, particularly in the earlier stages. Treatment is individualized based on the severity of arthritis, symptoms, activity level, and overall health.

Treatment Options

• Activity modification is often the first step. Reducing or modifying activities that consistently aggravate symptoms—while maintaining regular movement—can decrease pain without sacrificing fitness. Low-impact activities such as cycling, swimming, walking, and strength training are often well tolerated.
• Physical therapy and exercise can improve strength, flexibility, balance, and joint function. For knee arthritis, strengthening the quadriceps and surrounding muscles can be particularly helpful. For hip arthritis, strengthening the hip and core musculature can improve function and stability.
• Weight management can be important, particularly for knee OA, because reducing body weight decreases the forces placed across the joint.
• Medications such as acetaminophen or anti-inflammatory medications may provide symptom relief when appropriate. Topical anti-inflammatory medications can be useful for knee arthritis.
• Injections may provide temporary symptom relief. Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and pain, while viscosupplementation is sometimes used for knee OA, although results vary.
• PRP (platelet-rich plasma) has received significant attention as a regenerative treatment. However, PRP should not be presented as a proven treatment for replacing damaged arthritic cartilage. Its potential role may be more appropriate for certain tendon, ligament, or other soft-tissue problems rather than established joint arthritis.

When non-operative treatments no longer provide adequate relief and pain significantly limits daily activities, joint replacement may become an appropriate option.