Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint condition from cartilage wear and ongoing inflammation, often affecting knees, hands, hips, and spine. This category focuses on osteoarthritis treatment with options that support steadier movement, less stiffness, and more predictable day-to-day function, with US shipping from Canada included. Browse across prescription and non-prescription approaches, and compare brands, forms, and strengths like oral tablets, topical gels, and joint injections; stock can vary by product and dosage at any time.OA care often mixes medication, local therapy, and daily habits that protect joints. Medicines in this category mainly target inflammation and pain signaling, which can improve comfort during activity. Some items work system-wide, while others stay more local to one joint. Use the links below to compare options and read condition-specific guidance.What’s in This CategoryThis category includes osteoarthritis medication options that help manage pain, swelling, and stiffness. Many items are NSAIDs, meaning nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which reduce prostaglandins that drive inflammation. Some NSAIDs are nonselective, while others are COX-2 selective and may be gentler on the stomach for some people. Other products focus on local relief in a specific joint, which can limit whole-body exposure.Oral NSAIDs include COX-2 inhibitors such as Celecoxib and branded options like Celebrex tablets. Traditional NSAIDs may include Naproxen and Meloxicam, which can be used for flare-ups or steady symptoms. Some combination products add stomach protection for higher-risk patients, such as naproxen with stomach protection. Topical anti-inflammatory gels can support localized symptom control, including diclofenac topical gel for hands, knees, or other superficial joints.This category may also include viscosupplement products used in-office for selected patients. These hyaluronic acid injections aim to improve lubrication inside the joint. Options linked here include hyaluronic acid injection and viscosupplement option, which some clinicians consider for knee symptoms after simpler steps. Product choice depends on clinical history, exam findings, and prior response.How to Choose Osteoarthritis TreatmentStart by matching the option to the joint involved and symptom pattern. Localized pain in one or two joints may respond to a topical NSAID first. Widespread pain, morning stiffness, or frequent flares may need an oral option. Prior ulcer history, kidney disease, and cardiovascular risk should guide selection and dosing decisions.Compare form and schedule, since adherence matters as much as the ingredient. Tablets and capsules can offer consistent coverage for workdays or sleep. Topical products can be used around activity, with less systemic absorption. Injections can suit people who cannot tolerate oral NSAIDs, or who have knee symptoms that persist despite other measures.Storage and handling can matter, especially for gels and injectables. Keep topical products capped and away from heat sources. Avoid applying gel right before heat packs or occlusive wraps. Confirm whether an item needs refrigeration, and check expiry windows after opening. Use onsite filters to compare strengths and pack sizes across listings.Common mistake: stacking multiple NSAIDs without clinician guidance.Common mistake: using “as needed” dosing during daily, predictable pain.Common mistake: ignoring blood pressure, kidney labs, or ulcer symptoms.For lifestyle basics that often pair well with medication choices, review the arthritis pain medication guide. It covers pacing, activity planning, and non-drug options that can reduce flare frequency. These steps can also support safer NSAID use over time. Planning ahead helps people avoid last-minute dose increases during busy weeks.Popular OptionsCOX-2 selective NSAIDs are commonly chosen when inflammation drives pain and stiffness. Celecoxib is one example, and it can be compared against other oral anti-inflammatories by dose and daily schedule. For readers weighing options, the celecoxib vs meloxicam comparison summarizes practical differences in onset, dosing rhythm, and typical tolerability issues. People with multiple health conditions may need closer monitoring on any oral NSAID.Topicals are often a first-step for mild-to-moderate localized pain, especially in hands and knees. An osteoarthritis pain relief cream category option may include diclofenac gels used on superficial joints. Topicals can fit older adults who want fewer systemic effects, or people who already take other medications. Wash hands after application unless treating finger joints.When stomach risk is high, some clinicians consider pairing an NSAID with acid suppression. Combination tablets can simplify routines and reduce missed doses. This approach still carries NSAID-related kidney and cardiovascular cautions, so it is not “risk free.” For those comparing alternatives, reviewing both ingredient and protection component helps set expectations.Related Conditions & UsesMany shoppers organize options by the joint involved and the goals of care. For knee flares that limit walking, knee osteoarthritis treatment may include oral NSAIDs, topical diclofenac, and selected injection pathways. Knee symptoms can also reflect meniscus injury or inflammatory arthritis, so persistent swelling deserves clinical review. When pain is mainly with stairs or rising from chairs, strengthening and activity pacing can help medication work better.Hand OA often shows as grip weakness, finger stiffness, and enlarged knuckles. Topical NSAIDs can be practical for hands because the joint is close to skin. Night splints, heat, and short exercise sessions can reduce morning stiffness. Hip OA can be harder to treat with topicals due to depth, which can shift choices toward oral agents.Symptom tracking also supports safer use over time. New swelling, fever, or a hot joint can signal another cause. Sudden locking, giving way, or major range-of-motion loss needs assessment. People comparing therapies may also benefit from reading about related topics, including warm-up exercises for winter and broader awareness resources like Arthritis Awareness Month. These topics can reinforce pacing, joint protection, and realistic goal-setting.Authoritative SourcesOA information changes as new evidence emerges, so it helps to check trusted references. Osteoarthritis diagnosis is usually clinical, with imaging used when the picture is unclear or severe. Safety guidance for anti-inflammatory drugs also evolves as labels update. The sources below give neutral background on OA and NSAID risks.CDC overview of symptoms and management basics: CDC osteoarthritis basics.FDA safety communications on NSAID cardiovascular and GI risks: FDA NSAID safety warning update.NIAMS overview of OA care and research directions: NIAMS osteoarthritis overview.This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.