Your Joint OptionsFind my next step

Medically reviewed by Charles A. DeCook, MD ·

YOUR JOINT OPTIONS

Explore your
joint options.

Browse treatments below, or start a Fit assessment in JointVoyage for help choosing your next conversation.

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Joint

“Bone on bone” describes an X-ray, not a sentence. PT and weight care still matter. Treatment suitability depends on symptoms, goals, medical history, and clinician review. Replacement has a place here.

29 options shown *Medicare status is not a cash-price or private-insurance filter. Coverage must be checked individually. Recovery varies; “today” does not promise no restrictions.
01

Move it

Build strength. Reduce load. Manage pain.

Established careKnee + hip

Physical therapy & exercise

Stronger muscles. A joint with more support.

WHO MAY BENEFITKnee or hip arthritis, at any stage you can participate.

THE EVIDENCEEstablished foundation of care

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: $75–$150 / session

Medicare: Coverage may apply; individual criteria must be checked.

Medicare may cover medically necessary PT. Cost-sharing and documentation rules apply; there is no annual hard therapy cap.

FDA status: Clinical service · approval not applicable

Physical therapy and exercise are clinical services, not products with FDA approval. Any device used during care has its own regulatory status.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
Established careKnee + hip

Dietary Changes and Weight Loss

Everyday nutrition. Weight care when appropriate.

WHO MAY BENEFITPeople seeking healthier eating; weight-loss care when appropriate and medicines only when eligible.

THE EVIDENCEStrong lifestyle support; drug evidence is product-specific

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: No verified provider quote

Medicare: Coverage may apply; individual criteria must be checked.

Plan and indication dependent. Arthritis alone is not a covered indication for a GLP-1.

FDA status: Approval depends on the medicine

Nutrition counseling is not an FDA-approved drug treatment. Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) have weight-management indications for eligible patients; this does not establish approval to repair cartilage or treat osteoarthritis. Compounded versions are not FDA-approved.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
Established careknee

Topical anti-inflammatory

Rub-on pain relief for the knee.

WHO MAY BENEFITKnee pain when an anti-inflammatory is safe for you.

THE EVIDENCEGuideline-supported for knee OA

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: No verified provider quote

Medicare: Coverage may apply; individual criteria must be checked.

Coverage depends on medical need, product, provider, and plan. Confirm before care.

FDA status: Approved products · follow the label

Approved diclofenac gel products exist; follow the specific product label.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
Established careKnee + hip

Oral NSAID / acetaminophen

Pain relief, with a safety check first.

WHO MAY BENEFITShort-term symptoms when medical history and medicines allow.

THE EVIDENCEBenefits and risks differ by drug

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: No verified provider quote

Medicare: Coverage may apply; individual criteria must be checked.

Prescription coverage depends on plan and drug. Over-the-counter products are usually not covered.

FDA status: Product-specific drug labeling

Prescription and nonprescription pain medicines have product-specific indications and warnings. Some nonprescription products follow an OTC monograph rather than individual premarket approval. Follow the exact product label; pain relief is not joint repair.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
02

Unload it

Give the joint some support.

Established careKnee + hip

Cane

A little support with every step.

WHO MAY BENEFITWalking made difficult by knee or hip pain.

THE EVIDENCEGuideline-supported walking aid

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: No verified provider quote

Medicare: Coverage may apply; individual criteria must be checked.

Sometimes covered as durable medical equipment with a qualifying order and supplier.

FDA status: Device rules depend on product

A walking aid; device regulation depends on the specific product.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
Established careknee

Unloader knee brace

Offloads the worn side while you wear it.

WHO MAY BENEFITArthritis mainly in one knee compartment.

THE EVIDENCEUseful for selected knee patterns

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: No verified provider quote

Medicare: Coverage may apply; individual criteria must be checked.

Sometimes covered under durable medical equipment criteria. Fit and documentation matter.

FDA status: Device rules depend on product

FDA requirements depend on the exact brace and intended use; some low-risk devices are exempt from premarket notification. Registration or listing is not FDA approval, and no specific brace has been verified here.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
Consider individuallyknee

Comfort knee sleeve

Comfort and compression. Little unloading.

WHO MAY BENEFITPeople seeking modest comfort while moving.

THE EVIDENCEComfort aid; limited product-specific evidence

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: No verified provider quote

Medicare: Generally not covered

Cash comfort items are usually not covered.

FDA status: Exact product not verified

Regulatory status depends on the exact product and claims.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
03

Calm it

Relief is useful. Relief is not repair.

Established careKnee + hip

Corticosteroid injection

Calm a flare. Do not confuse relief with repair.

WHO MAY BENEFITA painful flare after an individual clinical assessment.

THE EVIDENCEShort-term relief; repeat-use caution

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: $150–$400

Medicare: Coverage may apply; individual criteria must be checked.

Medicare pays when medically necessary and coverage requirements are met.

FDA status: Approved drugs · label-specific use

Specific corticosteroid drugs have approved joint-use indications. For example, Kenalog-40 labeling includes short-term adjunctive use for osteoarthritis. “Cortisone” is a category, not one interchangeable product; the formulation, route, and joint must match the relevant label or be discussed as off-label.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
Consider individuallyknee

Gel shots / hyaluronic acid

Possible knee pain relief. Guidelines disagree.

WHO MAY BENEFITSelected knee OA after conservative care, with an honest evidence discussion.

THE EVIDENCEMixed evidence; an individual knee-care decision

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: $400–$1,200 / course

Medicare: Coverage may apply; individual criteria must be checked.

Medicare often covers qualifying knee treatment after conservative care under local rules. Hip use is generally not covered.

FDA status: Approved devices · knee-specific labels

Several products are approved for knee OA pain. This is not a comparable hip indication.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
Specialist reviewKnee + hip

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

Your platelets, concentrated. Not a new joint.

WHO MAY BENEFITMild–moderate knee OA only, after clinician agreement.

THE EVIDENCEMixed evidence; preparation and patient selection matter

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: $700–$2,000

Medicare: Generally not covered

OA PRP is generally not covered. Plan for cash if a clinician agrees.

FDA status: Preparation clearance ≠ OA approval

FDA clearance of a PRP preparation system does not establish approval of PRP injections for osteoarthritis. For example, FDA’s ORG classification covers preparation for mixing with bone graft to improve handling. The exact device and intended use must be checked; no cartilage-regrowth approval is claimed here.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
04

Quiet the nerves

Treat the pain signals, not the wear.

Specialist reviewKnee + hip

Genicular nerve RFA / block

Turn pain signals down. The joint stays the same.

WHO MAY BENEFITSelected knee pain after pain-specialist assessment.

THE EVIDENCEShort-term benefit possible; longer-term confidence varies

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: No verified provider quote

Medicare: Coverage may apply; individual criteria must be checked.

UNSURE for your plan. Coverage varies by local policy and technique; obtain written confirmation.

FDA status: Device clearance · selected knee pain

COOLIEF has FDA 510(k) clearance for genicular nerve lesions in selected patients with chronic knee pain, including labeled selection criteria. This is device clearance, not blanket approval of every ablation or nerve-block technique. Local anesthetics used for blocks have their own labeling.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
Specialist reviewknee

Nerve freezing / iovera°

Target pain signals with cold. Relief is temporary.

WHO MAY BENEFITSelected knee pain, or a discussion with your surgical team about pain control around knee replacement.

THE EVIDENCEMixed sham-controlled trial results

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: No verified provider quote

Medicare: Coverage may apply; individual criteria must be checked.

UNSURE for your plan. Coverage depends on the procedure, indication, and local policy; obtain written confirmation.

FDA status: FDA-cleared · knee OA pain

The iovera° system’s FDA 510(k) clearance includes relief of knee osteoarthritis pain and symptoms for up to 90 days. This is device clearance for pain relief, not approval for cartilage repair. Benefit and duration vary; exact device configuration and labeling matter.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
05

Rebuild / realign

Specialist operations for selected joints.

Specialist reviewknee

Knee osteotomy

Realign the leg to shift the load.

WHO MAY BENEFITSelected people with one-sided wear and correctable alignment.

THE EVIDENCESpecialist option for selected anatomy

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: No verified provider quote

Medicare: Coverage may apply; individual criteria must be checked.

May be paid when medically necessary and coverage criteria are met.

FDA status: Procedure · implants regulated separately

A surgical procedure; implants have product-specific regulatory status.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
Specialist reviewhip

Hip resurfacing

A different implant operation. Still surgery.

WHO MAY BENEFITA narrow group selected by a specialist after films and risk review.

THE EVIDENCEHighly selective implant procedure

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: No verified provider quote

Medicare: Coverage may apply; individual criteria must be checked.

Coverage requires medical necessity and plan review.

FDA status: Product-specific implant approval

Specific systems have FDA approvals and selection requirements. Approval does not make everyone a candidate.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
06

Replace the surface

The right tool when the time is right.

Established careknee

Partial knee replacement

Replace the worn compartment. Keep suitable healthy parts.

WHO MAY BENEFITSelected one-compartment knee disease with suitable ligaments.

THE EVIDENCEEstablished option with strict selection

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: No verified provider quote

Medicare: Coverage may apply; individual criteria must be checked.

Medicare pays when medically necessary and coverage requirements are met.

FDA status: Exact implant must be verified

Approved or cleared implant systems exist. Your surgeon explains the exact device and risks.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
Established careknee

Total knee replacement (TKA)

Replace damaged surfaces when the time is right.

WHO MAY BENEFITSymptoms and joint damage that justify replacement after other care has failed.

THE EVIDENCEEstablished treatment when symptoms justify surgery

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: No verified provider quote

Medicare: Coverage may apply; individual criteria must be checked.

Medicare pays when medically necessary and coverage requirements are met.

FDA status: Exact implant must be verified

Approved or cleared implant systems exist. Your surgeon explains the exact device and risks.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
Established carehip

Total hip replacement (THA)

Replace damaged surfaces when the time is right.

WHO MAY BENEFITSymptoms and joint damage that justify replacement after other care has failed.

THE EVIDENCEEstablished treatment for appropriately selected patients

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: No verified provider quote

Medicare: Coverage may apply; individual criteria must be checked.

Medicare pays when medically necessary and coverage requirements are met.

FDA status: Exact implant must be verified

Approved or cleared implant systems exist. Your surgeon explains the exact device and risks.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
?

You will hear about these

An honest explanation. No shopping cart.

Learn about the evidenceKnee + hip

Stem cells / BMAC / fat

No proof these injections restore worn cartilage.

WHO MAY BENEFITUnderstanding claims about marrow concentrate, stem cells, and microfragmented fat.

THE EVIDENCEPossible symptom benefit; low certainty

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: No treatment offered here

Medicare: Generally not covered

No routine OA coverage.

FDA status: Not approved for osteoarthritis

FDA states that regenerative medicine therapies have not been approved for orthopedic conditions such as osteoarthritis. Processing-device clearance or use of your own marrow or fat is not approval of a joint-repair claim. Regulatory requirements depend on the exact product and processing.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
Learn about the evidenceKnee + hip

Amniotic products & exosomes

Unapproved joint injections. No buy button.

WHO MAY BENEFITUnderstanding amniotic, umbilical, Wharton’s jelly, and exosome claims.

THE EVIDENCEInvestigational evidence; no class-wide efficacy conclusion

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: No treatment offered here

Medicare: Generally not covered

No routine OA coverage.

FDA status: Not approved for OA injections

Not approved for OA injection; FDA warns patients about unapproved regenerative products.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
Learn about the evidenceKnee + hip

Prolotherapy, ozone & joint Botox

You may hear about them. We do not offer them.

WHO MAY BENEFITChecking a proposed injection before spending money.

THE EVIDENCENot established as routine OA care

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: No treatment offered here

Medicare: Generally not covered

No routine OA coverage.

FDA status: No OA approval established here

This catalog does not establish an FDA-approved osteoarthritis indication for prolotherapy, ozone, or joint Botox. An approved ingredient or drug for another use does not establish approval of an OA injection. Confirm the exact substance, formulation, and route.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
Learn about the evidenceKnee + hip

Arthrosamid hydrogel

A watch-list item. No US checkout here.

WHO MAY BENEFITUnderstanding a polyacrylamide hydrogel offered elsewhere.

THE EVIDENCEActive-comparator evidence; placebo benefit uncertain

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: No treatment offered here

Medicare: Generally not covered

No established coverage in this catalog.

FDA status: US approval: UNSURE

US approval has not been established in this catalog. No US SKU is offered.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
Learn about the evidenceknee

Genicular artery embolization

An artery procedure, not a joint injection.

WHO MAY BENEFITA specialist discussion of an emerging knee procedure.

THE EVIDENCEPromising procedure; recommendations differ

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: No treatment offered here

Medicare: Coverage may apply; individual criteria must be checked.

UNSURE; policy and case-specific review required. No booking is available here.

FDA status: Embolic product and use must be checked

FDA regulates the embolic materials used in GAE. The cited Embosphere clearance lists tumors, uterine fibroids, prostatic arteries for BPH, and arteriovenous malformations; it does not list knee osteoarthritis. That record must not be presented as an FDA-cleared knee OA indication. Confirm the exact material and current labeling with the interventional radiologist.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
Learn about the evidenceKnee + hip

Laser / red light / PBM

Mixed evidence. Exercise still matters.

WHO MAY BENEFITUnderstanding photobiomodulation (light treatment) claims.

THE EVIDENCEPossible symptom benefit; protocol-dependent

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: No treatment offered here

Medicare: Generally not covered

Home light gadgets are generally cash purchases.

FDA status: Exact device and claim must be checked

Some devices are cleared for specific pain uses. This is not an OA drug approval.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
Learn about the evidenceKnee + hip

Glucosamine / chondroitin

Popular supplements. Not new cartilage.

WHO MAY BENEFITAn evidence check before buying a supplement.

THE EVIDENCEInconsistent benefit; not routine OA care

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: No treatment offered here

Medicare: Generally not covered

Supplements are not covered OA drugs.

FDA status: Supplements · no disease-treatment approval

Supplements are not FDA-approved OA drugs.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
Learn about the evidenceKnee + hip

Curcumin / Boswellia

Possible symptom relief. No treatment promise.

WHO MAY BENEFITDiscussing supplements you already take with a clinician.

THE EVIDENCEPossible modest benefit; formulation-specific

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: No treatment offered here

Medicare: Generally not covered

No supplement coverage as OA treatment.

FDA status: Supplements · no disease-treatment approval

Dietary supplements, not approved OA drugs.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
Learn about the evidenceKnee + hip

Collagen, fish oil & other blends

No antioxidant protocol. No house brand.

WHO MAY BENEFITReviewing collagen, MSM, fish oil, vitamin D, or antioxidant claims.

THE EVIDENCEMixed evidence by ingredient

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: No treatment offered here

Medicare: Generally not covered

No routine OA supplement coverage.

FDA status: Supplements · no disease-treatment approval

Supplements are not FDA-approved disease treatments.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
Learn about the evidenceKnee + hip

Unapproved “healing” peptides

Not another rung. Not an alternative to replacement.

WHO MAY BENEFITUnderstanding BPC-157, TB-500, KPV, MOTS-c, GHK-Cu, and “Wolverine stack” claims.

THE EVIDENCEPredominantly preclinical evidence

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: No treatment offered here

Medicare: Generally not covered

No OA coverage.

FDA status: Not approved for OA or joint recovery

BPC-157, TB-500, KPV, MOTS-c, and injectable GHK-Cu are not FDA-approved treatments for osteoarthritis or joint-replacement recovery. FDA identifies safety uncertainties for these compounding substances. A committee discussion, pharmacy license, or compounded formulation is not FDA drug approval.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
Learn about the evidenceKnee + hip

Opioids as an arthritis path

Medicare may pay. That does not make this good care.

WHO MAY BENEFITDiscussing an existing prescription safely with your clinician.

THE EVIDENCENot a routine long-term OA pathway

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: No treatment offered here

Medicare: Coverage may apply; individual criteria must be checked.

Prescription coverage may apply. Payment is not an evidence endorsement.

FDA status: Approved drugs · label-specific use

Approved pain medicines exist; approval is not a recommendation for routine OA treatment.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
Learn about the evidenceknee

Lateral wedge insoles

Not recommended as a knee OA treatment.

WHO MAY BENEFITChecking claims about unloading shoe inserts.

THE EVIDENCENot recommended as routine knee OA treatment

Understand this option ↗
Costs, coverage & FDA status

Illustrative cash: No treatment offered here

Medicare: Generally not covered

Not offered as covered OA treatment here.

FDA status: Exact product not verified

A device’s regulatory status is not a clinical recommendation.

Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.
How we interpret changing evidence