Effective treatment of joint problems may include:
- A combination of medications and non-drug therapies.
- Physical activity
- Surgery
- Rehabilitation
Medications
The following types of medications are commonly used to treat joint problems.
Topical medications
These include creams, gels, or ointments applied to the skin to reduce pain and inflammation.
Oral medications
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Often used for mild to moderate pain. It is generally safer for the stomach and kidneys than NSAIDs, but taking too much can cause serious liver damage. Always follow dosing instructions.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Help reduce pain and swelling. Examples include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Possible side effects include stomach bleeding and kidney problems.
- Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. They may be taken by mouth or injected into a joint. Long-term use can cause infections, weakened ligaments, and bone loss.
Medications for Specific Conditions
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Rheumatoid arthritis: Usually treated by a rheumatologist with disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs).
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Gout: Treated with anti-inflammatory medicines and sometimes long-term drugs that lower uric acid levels.
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Fibromyalgia: May be treated with antidepressants, sleep medicines, and lifestyle changes. There is no single test or cure.
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Muscle relaxants: May help for a short time but can increase the risk of confusion, drowsiness, and falls in older adults.
Every medication can cause side effects.
Talk with your healthcare provider about how to take your medications safely. Follow all directions carefully. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice any side effects.
Non-drug Treatments
Exercise
Exercise helps strengthen weak muscles and keeps joints moving. This can improve movement and reduce pain. Starting early often leads to better results. Therapy may last from a few weeks to several months.
Exercise programs should be tailored to each person’s needs. Exercises may include:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Stretching and strength (resistance) training
- Yoga or tai chi (gentle exercises that focus on stretching, slow movements, and balance)
Other Possible Treatments
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Use heating pads or ice packs a few times a day for up to 20 minutes at a time. Do not place heat or ice directly on the skin, and check the skin to avoid injury.
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Lose weight, if your healthcare provider recommends it.
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Wear splints or braces, if advised by your healthcare provider.
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Use assistive devices, such as a cane or special shoes, to reduce pressure on weight-bearing joints like the hip or knee.
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Stop or modify repeated movements that strain the joint.
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Learn more about your condition and consider talk therapy if needed. This can be helpful for people with fibromyalgia.
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Try massage therapy.
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Consider hyaluronic acid injections for knee arthritis. These may help some people and usually have mild side effects.
Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
Osteopathic physicians (DOs) may use a hands-on treatment called Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). With OMT, the doctor uses their hands to examine and treat muscles and joints. The goal is to support the body’s natural ability to heal.
OMT can help relieve muscle and joint pain, improve movement, and promote healing. It is often used for muscle pain, but it may also help people with asthma, sinus problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, or migraines.
In some cases, OMT may be used along with medications or other treatments. For some people, it may reduce the need for drugs or surgery.
Surgery
A healthcare professional may recommend surgery after carefully weighing the risks and benefits. You may be referred to an orthopedic surgeon.
Common types of surgery include:
Joint Fusion
In this surgery, the damaged ends of the bones are removed and the bones are joined together. After fusion, the joint will no longer bend. Pain and joint shape may improve, but this does not happen in every case.
Joint Replacement
Large joints, such as the knee or hip, can be partially or completely replaced. Joint replacement often relieves pain and improves movement. Artificial joints usually last about 15 years.
If pain is severe enough to disturb sleep or limit daily activities, surgery may be considered. Exercising before surgery can strengthen muscles and help speed recovery.
Many adults over age 80 can do well with surgery if they are healthy enough and can participate in rehabilitation.
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
This procedure uses small cuts and a camera to repair or clean damaged cartilage in the knee. It may help with symptoms such as locking, swelling, weakness, or pain. However, it does not always improve symptoms.
Rotator Cuff or Frozen Shoulder Repair
Surgery may be considered if there is a rotator cuff tear or if frozen shoulder does not improve with rest and physical therapy.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation can help a person regain strength and return to their previous level of function.
Some people may need to recover in a rehabilitation facility. Others may receive therapy at home. This depends on the type of surgery, the person’s overall health, and whether caregivers and support are available at home.
Home care may include help from:
- A physical therapist
- An occupational therapist
- A social worker
- Nurses
- Other healthcare professionals
Monitoring
Regular follow-up visits are important. Ongoing pain or trouble moving should not be ignored. Delaying care can lead to long-term disability.
Last Updated April 2026