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Osteoarthritis Health Center

Health Quiz

Osteoarthritis Quiz

Do You Know Your Treatment Options?

Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of pain and disability, but it can be managed and treated if you know what to do. Test your knowledge here.

The goal of treatment is to cure osteoarthritis.

True

False
The most effective way to improve function when you're first diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip is:

Take pain relievers and get bed rest

Lose weight and do moderate exercise
Which of these exercises is potentially harmful if you have osteoarthritis?

Walking

Tennis

Biking

Swimming

Weight lifting
Which of these options is not considered an initial treatment for osteoarthritis:

Medications

Joint replacement

Glucosamine

Heat and cold therapy

Physical therapy
If oral pain relievers are ineffective, the next level of treatment could include:

Corticosteroid injections

Hyaluronan injections

Arthroscopic surgery

All of the above
Joint replacements are typically considered when:

Pain relievers don't completely manage your pain.

Pain significantly disables you and impacts your lifestyle.

When you've tried arthroscopy surgery and it didn't help.

Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on October 16, 2008

Sources: Sources

SOURCES: The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, "Total Knee Replacement." Kevin Bozic, MD, MBA, orthopaedic surgeon and assistant professor of orthopedics, University of California San Francisco. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS): "Questions and Answers about Hip Replacement." WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise: "Osteoarthritis: Treatment Overview."

This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information:

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

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