Arthritis: Causes, Treatments, and How to Manage Joint Pain Without Surgery

When your knees, hands, or hips start hurting without warning, it’s often arthritis, a condition where joints become inflamed, stiff, and painful, often due to wear and tear or autoimmune activity. Also known as joint inflammation, it’s not just something that happens to older people—it’s the leading cause of disability in India, affecting over 1 in 5 adults by age 50. You might think it’s just "aging," but arthritis comes in different forms. Osteoarthritis, the most common type, happens when the cartilage between bones wears down over time. It’s what most people mean when they say their knees are "worn out." On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where your body attacks its own joints, causing swelling, fatigue, and even damage to organs. These aren’t the same thing, and treating them the same way can make things worse. Then there’s gout, a painful form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals building up in joints, often the big toe. It’s sudden, intense, and often triggered by diet—something many in India overlook when eating rich, fried, or processed foods. The real problem? Most people wait until the pain is unbearable before doing anything. By then, the joint damage is often advanced. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to live with constant pain or rush into surgery. Many people with bone-on-bone arthritis still avoid knee replacements by using simple, science-backed methods like walking, weight control, and targeted supplements.

What works? It’s not one magic pill. Arthritis management is about stacking small wins. Walking—even just 20 minutes a day—can reduce knee pain as much as some painkillers, according to doctors in Bangalore and Delhi. It’s not about running marathons; it’s about keeping the joint moving so the fluid stays lubricated and the muscles stay strong. Painkillers like NSAIDs help, but they’re not safe for long-term use. Topical creams, heat therapy, and even Ayurvedic oils like ginger or castor oil can offer relief without stomach issues. And if you’re wondering about meds like Ozempic or Wegovy—yes, some people use them off-label for weight loss to take pressure off joints, but they’re not approved for arthritis itself. What you need is a plan: reduce inflammation, protect your joints, and stay active. The good news? You have more control than you think.

Below, you’ll find real advice from people who’ve been there—how to delay or avoid knee replacement, what tests doctors actually order to confirm arthritis, which painkillers work best for different types, and how walking can be your best medicine. No hype. No fluff. Just what works for Indian bodies, Indian lifestyles, and Indian budgets.