Overview
Osteoarthritis often affects knees, hips, hands, and the spine.
Exercise and weight loss help more than rest.
Symptoms
Common signs:
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Pain in many joints
- Joints stiff after rest or in the morning
Less common
- Swelling
- Bony bumps on fingers
When to get medical care
Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayHot, swollen joint with fever.
See a doctor soonPain limiting life.
Causes
Aging, injury.
Who is more likely to get it
- Older age
Diagnosis
Exam and X-rays.
Tests
Tests, if needed:
- X-ray:
Treatment
Stay active.
Self-care
- Low-impact exercise
- Healthy weight
- Heat and ice
Medicines
Medicines that may help:
| Medicine | Helps with | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Pain relievers | Pain and swelling | Ask first if you have kidney, stomach, or heart problems. |
OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.
Which doctor treats this
- Urgent care or the ER can treat it first. For minor problems, your primary care provider can help.
- They may send you to a rheumatologist (joint and immune system doctor).
- A physical therapist can help with exercises to rebuild strength and motion.
Living with it
- Stay active with walking, swimming, or biking.
- Keep a healthy weight to ease joint strain.
- Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.
Support groups and helplines
- Arthritis Foundation: Helpline, exercise programs, and online community.
Back to school, work, or sports
- School or desk work is often OK within days. Jobs with lifting may need light duty for a while.
- Go back to sports only when your doctor says it's OK and you have full motion and strength without pain.
Children, pregnancy, and older adults
- Older adults: Very common.
Outlook
Manageable.
Getting ready for your visit
Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.
What to bring
- A list of your medicines and supplements
- Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse
Questions to ask
- Would physical therapy help?
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Osteoarthritis in several joints (wear-and-tear arthritis)
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.