Osteoarthritis, also known as wear-and-tear of your joints, is a common long-term condition in which the soft layer between your bones gradually disappears. This causes pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving. Osteoarthritis occurs mainly in the knees, hips, hands, and spine, and affects millions of people worldwide.
Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do yourself to reduce symptoms. Medication can provide relief, but the best ‘medicine’ for osteoarthritis in many cases is to keep moving. Motimove is an app that helps you get moving in a targeted and safe way with osteoarthritis.
In this blog you’ll discover:
- What osteoarthritis actually is
- The most common symptoms
- Which medications help with osteoarthritis
- What you need to know about hyaluronic acid
- The effect of excess weight and what you can do about it
- Why movement is essential
- When surgery may be necessary
- How the Motimove app supports you
- Answers to frequently asked questions
Download the Motimove app now and take the first step toward less pain and more movement.
What is osteoarthritis?
In osteoarthritis, the cartilage in a joint is damaged or reduced, causing bones to glide less smoothly over one another. This can lead to friction, inflammation, and pain. Symptoms often develop gradually but can significantly affect daily life.
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
- Joint pain, especially with movement
- Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after rest
- Limited range of motion
- Cracking or grinding sounds during movement
- Swelling or tenderness
What is the best medicine for osteoarthritis?
There is no medication that can completely cure osteoarthritis. Medication mainly focuses on relieving symptoms. Note: always consult a doctor before starting any medicines or supplements.
Painkillers and anti-inflammatories
- Paracetamol this is often first choice for mild pain
- NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) for pain and inflammation
- Corticosteroids for significant inflammation
Supplements
- Glucosamine and chondroitin these do not help everyone
- Vitamin D only take if you are deficient
Topical gels and creams
- Capsaicin cream or diclofenac gel these can provide local relief
Note: medications can help, but they do not address the cause of osteoarthritis. Keeping active is essential. That’s where Motimove helps.
Hyaluronic acid for knee osteoarthritis
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that naturally occurs in joint fluid. Injections with hyaluronic acid are sometimes used in knee osteoarthritis to improve lubrication in the joint.
Position of the NOV (Dutch Orthopaedic Association, 2019)
The NOV does not recommend hyaluronic acid injections as standard treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Use may be considered in secondary care when other treatments are insufficient.
Main considerations:
- It can reduce symptoms
- Possibly beneficial for people under 65
- We don’t know the long-term effects
- Do not use in inflammatory rheumatic diseases
The rationale is based on scientific literature up to November 2019, including RCTs, meta-analyses, and international guidelines such as OARSI.
Excess weight and osteoarthritis: what can you do?
Osteoarthritis and excess weight often go hand in hand. More body weight means more stress on your joints. But did you know that belly fat also releases inflammatory substances that can worsen osteoarthritis?
Lifestyle as the foundation
A healthy weight, more movement, and a nutritious eating pattern form the basis for reducing osteoarthritis symptoms and slowing the process.
What if lifestyle isn’t enough?
With severe excess weight, lifestyle changes can be challenging. In some cases, obesity medication, such as GLP-1 agonists (e.g., semaglutide), can help. These medications can:
- Support weight loss
- Reduce pain and difficulty moving
- Decrease inflammation
- Improve metabolism
Always consider these options in consultation with your doctor or specialist.
Surgery for osteoarthritis: when is it necessary?
If conservative treatments (such as medication, physiotherapy, and exercise therapy) don’t provide enough relief, surgery may be an option. Common procedures include:
- Arthroscopy: usually for mild complaints, used less frequently
- Osteotomy: realigning bone
- Prosthesis: (artificial joint) for severe wear
An orthopedic specialist will discuss with you if and when surgery is appropriate.
Motimove: the smart approach to osteoarthritis
Movement is the most powerful ‘medicine’ for osteoarthritis, and that’s exactly what makes Motimove so valuable. This app helps you get moving safely and effectively.
- Personal exercise program tailored to your symptoms
- Scientifically grounded, created by physiotherapists
- Use it wherever and whenever suits you
- In collaboration with orthopedic clinics and health insurers
Download the Motimove app and work step by step toward less pain, better mobility, and a more active lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions about osteoarthritis
What is the best medicine for osteoarthritis pain?
Paracetamol or NSAIDs can help temporarily. But the most important ‘medicine’ remains: regular movement.
Can osteoarthritis be cured with medication?
No, medication can relieve symptoms, but a cure is not (yet) possible. Staying active and a healthy lifestyle are crucial.
Do supplements like glucosamine really help?
The scientific evidence is mixed. It works for some people, not for others. See supplements as an addition, not a replacement.
How does Motimove help with osteoarthritis?
The app offers tailored exercise programs based on physiotherapy expertise. This way, you can work at home on reducing pain, improving your mobility, and preventing further decline.