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Get help reducing pain and leading a healthy lifestyle

	Once a joint that has osteoarthritis gives you symptoms, it means it can't do its job properly. But a range of treatments can control the pain and discomfort of osteoarthritis and help you move more freely. ConsumerReportsHealth.org can help you find treatments for osteoarthritis that work well.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org today to find out whether medication, surgery or physical therapy rates best for treating osteoarthritis.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, you're not alone. Consumer Reports Health is here to help with the best research about osteoarthritis, and expert evidence and advice about treatment options.

Key points for people with osteoarthritis

• Osteoarthritis is the most common joint problem, and your risk of getting the disease rises with age. It affects up to 20 percent of people over age 60.
• The disease is rare among people under age 45, but at 65, at least half of all people will show signs of osteoarthritis on X-rays. Most will not develop significant pain and stiffness.
• Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the small joints in your hands and the base of your thumb, followed by the joints in your knees, hips, and spine.
• Most people with osteoarthritis don't develop a severe condition. Only a minority of people will need surgery to replace their joint. Surgery can work very well, but it doesn't work for everyone.
• There is no single treatment that works for everyone, and you may need a range of treatments.
• Anxiety and depression can make your pain worse. Exercising regularly, staying optimistic, and seeing friends and family can all reduce pain and stiffness.
• For some people, a simple painkiller like acetaminophen (Tylenol) works as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and has fewer side effects.
• Research shows that if you learn about osteoarthritis and get involved in your treatment decisions, your condition is more likely to improve. This is because treatments can be tailored to your needs.

About 21 million people in the United States have osteoarthritis. Risk factors for osteoarthritis include older age, being overweight, certain jobs, and family history.

There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but there is a range of treatments used to control the pain and discomfort of the disease and to help you move more freely. We encourage you to read our entire condition report and to consult with your doctor to learn more about osteoarthritis. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, you’ll have access to our expert research and recommendations, and you’ll be more confident and knowledgeable about which treatments are best for you.