From Symptoms to Treatment: Everything You Need to Know About Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint conditions in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, causing joint pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling that can affect daily life. But those dealing with this common form of arthritis — and the mobility challenges it brings — aren't without options.

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can affect the hands and fingers, hips, knees, neck, lower back, ankles, and feet. While medical professionals are still researching its exact causes, osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage and tissue surrounding a joint break down over time, according to the National Institutes of Health.

This is different from the normal wear and tear of regular physical activity. Over months and years, as cartilage breaks down, the resulting pain and stiffness often lead people to move less — which can weaken the surrounding muscles and put even more strain on the joint, making symptoms worse over time.

Osteoarthritis can also affect the shape of joints and bones, sometimes causing small pieces of bone or cartilage to break off (commonly called "bone spurs"), which can add to discomfort and further limit mobility.

What Are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis?

Common symptoms include aching, pain, stiffness, and swelling in and around affected joints. Severity varies widely from person to person, depending on factors like how far the condition has progressed.

In its early stages, symptoms are often mild and may ease up after rest. As osteoarthritis progresses, daily activities can become more difficult, and pain may increase even at rest or during sleep, according to the NIH.

There's no blood test for osteoarthritis, but doctors can typically diagnose it using a combination of X-rays and MRIs, according to the Mayo Clinic. X-rays can reveal narrowed space between bones (a sign of cartilage loss) and bone spurs, while MRIs can show cartilage and soft tissue detail more directly.

Who Is Most at Risk?

In general, the risk of osteoarthritis increases with age, and it's more common in women — particularly those over 50 — according to the NIH. Obesity and a family history of arthritis can also increase risk.

That said, osteoarthritis isn't only a condition of older adults. It can occur in younger people, especially athletes who place repeated strain on their joints, and it can develop at any age following a joint injury — sometimes years after the original injury seemed to heal, according to the Mayo Clinic.

How Acupuncture May Help Manage Osteoarthritis

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese therapy that involves inserting thin, sterile needles into the skin at specific points on the body. Needles are placed at various depths at strategic points, and most patients feel little to no discomfort during treatment.

For osteoarthritis specifically, acupuncture is often used as a complementary approach alongside conventional care, and may help by:

• Easing joint pain. Acupuncture has been studied for its potential to help reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, and other joints.

• Reducing stiffness. Many patients report improved mobility and reduced stiffness, particularly with regular treatment.

• Supporting circulation. Acupuncture may help improve blood flow to affected joints, supporting the body's natural processes.

• Reducing reliance on medication. Some patients use acupuncture to help manage symptoms while reducing their need for pain medication, though this should always be discussed with your doctor.

Acupuncture isn't a cure for osteoarthritis, since the underlying joint changes aren't reversible — but for many patients, it's a valuable tool for managing pain and staying mobile.

Living Well with Osteoarthritis

Beyond acupuncture, a few habits can help manage symptoms day to day:

• Staying active with low-impact movement, like walking or swimming

• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce joint strain

• Using heat or cold therapy for flare-ups

• Working with your doctor on a full treatment plan, which may include physical therapy or medication alongside complementary care

Frequently Asked Questions

Can acupuncture really help osteoarthritis pain? Many patients use acupuncture as part of a broader plan to manage osteoarthritis symptoms. It's best used alongside guidance from your doctor, especially if you're also using medication or physical therapy.

Which joints can acupuncture help with? Acupuncture is commonly used for osteoarthritis affecting the knees, hips, hands, and lower back, among other joints. See our Knee Pain and Hip Pain pages for more on how we approach these specific areas.

Is osteoarthritis the same as rheumatoid arthritis? No. Osteoarthritis is caused by wear-and-tear breakdown of cartilage, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition. They're treated differently, so an accurate diagnosis from your doctor matters.

How many acupuncture sessions will I need? This varies by person and how advanced the condition is. Many patients start with weekly sessions and adjust based on how they respond.

Living with joint pain from osteoarthritis?

Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with True Acupuncture in Phoenix or Chandler, AZ to talk through your options.