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Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis treatment available online today
In order to treat your osteoarthritis, consult with one of our board-certified doctors online today to prescribe medications to get relief from joint pain. Get a new prescription to treat osteoarthritis or refill an existing prescription today.
Book an appointmentIn order to treat your osteoarthritis, consult with one of our board-certified doctors online today to prescribe medications to get relief from joint pain. Get a new prescription to treat osteoarthritis or refill an existing prescription today.
Medication services available for adults and kids (3+)
Top quality, board-certified doctors
Insurance accepted, but not required
Prescriptions sent to your local pharmacy*
* Prescriptions provided at doctor’s discretion.
We accept these insurance plans and many more!
Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less. Otherwise, new patient visits are $129, and follow-ups are only $69 for members.
Don’t see your provider listed? Email [email protected] or call (888) 564-4454 to talk to a PlushCare specialist.
3 simple steps to request treatment for osteoarthritis today
Step 1
Book an osteoarthritis treatment appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your osteoarthritis symptoms.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up a prescription to treat your osteoarthritis.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Osteoarthritis treatment pricing details
How pricing works
To request osteoarthritis treatment and get a new or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
Copay
For all visits
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
$129
Repeats only $69
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $69 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Learn about osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that affects joint tissue. OA happens when the protective cartilage, the tissue that cushions the ends of bones within joints, breaks down.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. While OA can affect any joint, it often affects joints in the hands, knees, hips, and spine. Although joint damage cannot be reserved, arthritis symptoms can be managed with the right treatment plan.
Osteoarthritis causes
Osteoarthritis occurs when the joint cartilage between bones breaks down or wears away. Over time, as the cartilage wears down, it causes bone to rub against bone. OA is commonly referred to as a "wear-and-tear" disease. Beyond the breakdown of cartilage, OA can affect the entire joint. It causes changes in the tissues that hold joints together, along with inflammation and pain. While anyone can develop osteoarthritis, some factors that can contribute to arthritis include:
Older age
Joint injuries
Using the same joints over and over
Weak muscles
Obesity
Genetics
Environmental factors
Osteoarthritis symptoms
For many people with arthritis, symptoms build gradually over time. OA symptoms can include:
Pain or aching during activities, after long activities, or at the end of the day
Joint stiffness
Limited range of motion (or flexibility)
Clicking or popping sounds when a joint bends
Joint inflammation or swelling
Muscle weakness
Joint instability (for example, knee buckling)
How to treat osteoarthritis
There is no cure for OA, but several treatment options can help individuals with OA manage joint pain. Effective treatments for OA include:
Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications help with pain management, inflammation, and other OA symptoms.
Non-drug therapies: Maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular physical activity, going to physical therapy, and using assistive devices can help reduce pain and slow joint damage. Make sure to talk to a doctor before starting a new exercise program.
Surgery: During joint replacement surgery, a damaged joint is surgically fused or replaced with a man-made joint. While joint surgery is usually considered a last resort treatment, an orthopedic surgeon can help you explore your surgical options.
Osteoarthritis medication
Over-the-counter and prescription medications for OA are available in the form of pills, patches, gels, creams, and injectables. Your doctor will consider your medical history and symptoms to choose the best medication for you. Common medications for OA include:
Analgesics
including acetaminophen and opioids
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs work by reducing inflammation and pain.
Counterirritants
containing menthol, capsaicin, and lidocaine
Corticosteroids
such as betamethasone, methylprednisolone, and triamcinolone
How to prevent osteoarthritis
It's not possible to prevent OA altogether. However, you can lower your risk factors for developing OA by avoiding joint injuries and living a healthy lifestyle. Some effective preventive measures include:
Get regular exercise. Avoid exercise that strains your joints, such as running. Instead, try exercises such as swimming and cycling, to keep yourself healthy.
Lose excess weight. Overweight and obesity are risk factors for OA. If you're overweight, try losing weight and maintaining a healthy body mass index to lower your chances of developing OA.
Practice good posture. Maintain good posture and avoid staying in the same position for too long. If you work at a desk, make sure your chair is the correct height, and take regular breaks to move your body.
When to see a doctor for osteoarhritis
If you experience chronic pain or stiffness in your joints, make an appointment with your doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
OA treatment can significantly improve your quality of life by managing pain and reducing inflammation. If needed, your doctor can prescribe a prescription for osteoarthritis treatment online.
Related conditions to osteoarthritis
Gout
Inflammatory arthritis
Lupus
Psoriatic arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis treatment FAQs
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
The symptoms of OA include:
Pain, aching, or stiffness in the affected joint
Limited range of motion (or flexibility)
Pain that worsens after activities or at the end of the day
Joint swelling and inflammation
Discomfort when pressing on areas with your fingers
Swelling, clicking, popping, or cracking sounds
The symptoms of arthritis can vary from person to person. The symptoms develop gradually over time and progressively intensity.
What causes osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis occurs when joint cartilage—the tissue that cushions the ends of bones—wears down over time. When joint cartilage breaks down completely, bones will rub against over bones, leading to joint pain.
What are osteoarthritis risk factors?
Several factors can lead to an increased risk of OA, including:
Age. The risk of developing osteoarthritis increases with age. In general, symptoms appear in people over 50, but they can also appear in young people who have experienced joint injuries.
Gender. Women are more likely to develop OA than men.
Obesity. Excess weight adds stress to weight-bearing joints. At the same time, fat tissue produces proteins that cause joint inflammation.
Overuse. Repeated joint movements at work or during sports can wear down joint cartilage.
Joint injury. Injuries can strain your joints, increasing the risk of OA. For example, a bone fracture or ligament tear can cause OA. Even older injuries that have seemingly healed lead to an increased risk.
Genetics. Those who have family members with OA are more likely to develop the condition.
What are some lifestyle changes to prevent osteoarthritis?
It's not always possible to prevent OA, but preventive measures can help lower your risk:
Get plenty of exercise, eat a balanced diet, and maintain a healthy weight.
Avoid repetitive joint motions or activities that strain joints.
Practice good posture and avoid staying in the same position for too long.
Protect your joints with low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and cycling.