New osteoarthritis (OA) treatments focus on cartilage repair, inflammation, and pain, including promising injectables like Sprifermin (rebuilds cartilage) and Hydrocelin (gel for pain/protection). Existing drugs like Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium (PPS) are used for cartilage health, while cancer drugs like Methotrexate, and diabetes drug Metformin, show potential for pain/inflammation reduction, with trials exploring novel targets like Wnt pathways and growth factors.
Osteoarthritis Drugs in Phase 3 Clinical Trials (as of November 2017)
Osteoarthritis: This condition can result in several symptoms, such as itching, pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. It can also cause the joints to wear down over time gradually.
As of 2025, PRP has moved beyond being an experimental therapy. It is now recognized as one of the leading biologic options for knee osteoarthritis. Ongoing studies are exploring how PRP can be combined with stem cell therapy or other regenerative techniques to further enhance outcomes.
Methotrexate (MTX) is now the most popular drug worldwide for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Exercising and losing weight if you're overweight are important ways to lessen the joint pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis. Exercise. Low-impact exercise can increase your endurance and strengthen the muscles around your joint, making your joint more stable.
Opioids are pain killers that must be prescribed by a doctor. They are very strong and can work well for severe pain. But they do have more side effects than acetaminophen and people can become dependent on them or addicted.
There's no cure for osteoarthritis, but the condition does not necessarily get any worse over time.
“Rosnilimab, a selective and potent depleter of pathogenic T cells, demonstrates efficacy, safety, and translational proof of mechanism in a rheumatoid arthritis phase 2b trial” ACR 2025; Abstract LB19.
It is not an infectious or contagious condition. Osteoarthritis is primarily a localized condition that occurs within a specific joint. However, it is important to note that while osteoarthritis does not spread from joint to joint, it can affect multiple joints in the body simultaneously.
12 Supplements for Osteoarthritis
In addition to pain, other common sensations are heaviness, numbness, or aching in the leg muscles.
Drug therapies include oral pain relievers such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (often called NSAIDs), which decrease swelling and pain. Cymbalta is also sometimes prescribed to reduce pain, and patients with more serious pain may need stronger medications, such as prescription narcotics.
Applying heating pads, taking hot baths or showers, or using warm paraffin wax can temporarily relieve join pain. Be careful not to burn yourself. Limit heating pad use to 20 minutes at a time. Ice packs can help lessen pain and inflammation, especially after physical activity.
Other symptoms you or your doctor may notice include:
The ingredients of Vicks VapoRub, menthol and camphor, have primarily superficial effects, but can provide a soothing sensation over an arthritic joint that is inflamed. What home remedies do you recommend for arthritis pain? Glucosamine and Chondroitin.
While genetics play a role in increasing your risk for osteoarthritis, they are not the sole factor. OA typically develops as a result of a combination of factors, including age, lifestyle, and joint injuries. Genetics may give you a higher likelihood of developing OA, but it doesn't guarantee you'll get it.
if you do not have a job and cannot work because of your illness, you may be entitled to Employment and Support Allowance. if you're aged 64 or under and need help with personal care or have walking difficulties, you may be eligible for the Personal Independence Payment.
In fact, multiple non-surgical treatments for hip and knee pain can provide significant relief, improve function, and help delay or even avoid surgery.
While arthritis is not hereditary, you are at a higher risk of developing the condition if one, or both, of your parents have been diagnosed with the condition. This is especially true for autoimmune arthritic conditions like rheumatic arthritis. Autoimmune diseases run in families.
Best Drinks for Arthritis
Here are seven simple ways to keep your joints lubricated as you get older.
Common treatment methods don't change the progression of osteoarthritis. However, two nutritional supplements -- glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates -- have been studied to determine if they can relieve pain or perhaps slow the breakdown of cartilage, which is a significant part of osteoarthritis.
The most common triggers of an OA flare are overdoing an activity or trauma to the joint.