Osteoarthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Osteoarthritis?
A rheumatologist (a doctor who treats arthritis and other diseases of the bones, joints, and muscles) often helps treat osteoarthritis. An orthopaedic surgeon (a doctor who treats bone and joint diseases) may help too, and a primary care doctor often coordinates care. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis, sometimes called OA, is a type of arthritis that only affects the joints. It is the most common type of arthritis. It usually affects the hands, knees, hips, neck, and lower back.
In a healthy joint, the ends of the bones are covered with a smooth, slippery tissue called cartilage. With osteoarthritis, the cartilage breaks down and becomes rough. Sometimes, all the cartilage wears away and the bones rub together. Bumps of extra bone called bone spurs may grow in the joint area. It usually gets worse slowly.
Symptoms
Osteoarthritis affects people in different ways, and not everyone has pain. The most common symptoms are:
- Pain when you move, which often gets better with rest.
- Stiffness, especially for the first 30 minutes after you get up from resting.
- Swollen joints, especially after using the joint a lot.
- Less movement in the joint than normal.
- A joint that feels loose or unstable.
You may notice a rubbing, grating, or crackling sound when you move the joint. As osteoarthritis gets worse, you may have pain even when you are resting. The pain may also wake you up at night.
Causes and who gets it
Researchers are not sure what causes osteoarthritis. Your chance of developing it increases with age. Things that make you more likely to get it include:
- Being overweight, because extra weight puts more stress on your joints.
- Having a past injury or surgery on a joint.
- Doing a lot of activities that overuse the joint, such as sports with a lot of jumping, twisting, running, or throwing.
- Having a joint that does not line up correctly.
- Having a family history of osteoarthritis.
A past joint injury is often the cause in younger adults.
How doctors diagnose it
There is no single test for osteoarthritis. Your provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. Your provider will also do a physical exam. X-rays can show loss of joint space and bone spurs. Early joint damage does not usually appear on x-rays. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can show damage to soft tissues in and around the joint. Blood tests can help rule out other causes for symptoms. Joint fluid samples can be checked for other causes of joint pain, such as infection or gout.
Treatment
There is no cure for osteoarthritis. But there is a lot you can do to manage the symptoms. The goal of treatment is to ease your pain, help you move better, and stop it from getting worse. Treatment usually begins with:
- Exercises to improve strength, flexibility and balance.
- Weight loss, if needed, to improve pain, especially in your hips or knees.
- Braces or shoe inserts (orthotics) that a health care provider fits for you.
Water exercises, such as swimming, are often helpful. Physical therapy can help improve muscle strength, the motion of stiff joints, and your balance. Simple things like heat and ice can help, too. Use a brace only when your provider or therapist recommends one. Using a brace the wrong way can cause joint damage, stiffness, and pain.
You can buy some pain relievers and arthritis creams without a prescription. It is best to talk to your provider about using them. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Talk with your provider before taking one of these on a regular basis. If you have liver disease, talk with your provider before taking acetaminophen. If these do not help enough, your provider may prescribe injections into the joint or prescription pain relievers.
Some research shows that acupuncture may help relieve osteoarthritis pain. Yoga and tai chi have also shown significant benefit in treating the pain from osteoarthritis. If none of these treatments help enough, surgery may be an option. Surgery can include replacing a damaged joint with an artificial joint.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of osteoarthritis that are bothersome or get worse.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of primary care doctor can coordinate care between the different health providers and treat other problems as they arise. Treating osteoarthritis takes a team effort.
Common questions
Can osteoarthritis be cured?
No, there is no cure for osteoarthritis. But there is a lot you can do to manage the symptoms.
Does osteoarthritis always cause pain?
No, not everyone with osteoarthritis has pain. Some people might not have symptoms, even though x-rays or a physical exam show changes from osteoarthritis.
Does osteoarthritis get worse over time?
Yes, it will most likely get worse over time, but the pace varies from person to person.
Does extra weight affect osteoarthritis?
Yes, extra weight puts more stress on your joints. Weight loss, if needed, can improve pain, especially in your hips or knees.
Can exercise help osteoarthritis?
Yes, exercise can reduce joint pain and stiffness and increase flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance. Start any exercise program slowly. Speak to your doctor or physical therapist about a safe exercise program.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Osteoarthritis
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases - Osteoarthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia - Osteoarthritis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
