Osteoarthritis in older adults

1. What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a common joint condition where the smooth cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually wears down over time.

This can lead to joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced movement.

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but commonly:

• Knees
• Hips
• Hands and fingers
• Spine (neck and lower back)

Symptoms often start slowly and get worse with time. Pain may be worse after activity or at the end of the day.

2. Why osteoarthritis matters more in older adults

Osteoarthritis is more common as people age, and it can cause:

• Pain that limits walking, climbing stairs, or doing household tasks
• Stiffness that makes it harder to get up from chairs or bed
• Reduced independence and a higher risk of falls
• Sleep problems, mood changes, or social isolation due to pain

Because many older adults also have other health conditions, managing osteoarthritis may be more complex, especially when it comes to pain medications.

3. How doctors usually treat osteoarthritis

Treatment is personalized and often includes several approaches together:

• Non-medication approaches, such as gentle exercises, strengthening muscles around joints, weight management (if appropriate), heat/cold packs, braces, or mobility aids
• Medications, such as pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs, used carefully in older adults
• Injections into the joint or surgery (like joint replacement), in some cases

This website does not tell you which treatment is right for you. Only your health-care provider or specialist can decide that based on your situation.

4. Common types of medicines for osteoarthritis in older adults

Health-care providers may use:

• Acetaminophen – sometimes used for mild to moderate pain, within safe dose limits
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – such as ibuprofen or naproxen; can help with pain and inflammation but may affect the stomach, kidneys, heart, and blood pressure
• Topical treatments – creams or gels applied to the skin over the joint (some contain NSAIDs or other pain-relieving ingredients)
• Other pain medications – in certain situations and with careful monitoring
• Joint injections – such as corticosteroids, in some cases

Because many of these can interact with other medications or affect organs more vulnerable in older age, providers often use the lowest effective dose and limit how long some medicines are used.

5. Possible side effects older adults may notice

Side effects depend on the medication used. Things to watch for include:

• Stomach pain, heartburn, or indigestion (with NSAIDs)
• Black or bloody stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds (urgent; can indicate bleeding)
• Swelling in legs or feet
• Shortness of breath or sudden weight gain
• Worsening blood pressure or kidney function (often found on blood tests)
• Skin rash or irritation (with topical treatments)

Always follow your provider’s instructions. Do