Medical information

Treating osteoarthritis without surgery

Non-surgical care is a structured programme rather than a waiting room before replacement surgery.

Exercise and strength

Maintaining muscle capacity and cardiovascular activity is a foundation of osteoarthritis treatment.

Medication

Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs can be used when appropriate to the patient’s medical profile.

Injections

Corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid and PRP have different aims and evidence; none should be described as reliably regenerating advanced arthritic cartilage.

When it is enough

If function becomes acceptable there is no reason to progress to surgery. If severe limitations remain, the balance may shift towards an operation.

Medical review: Dr Julien Stanovici · August 2026. Consultations are available in French and English.

Medical references / source

  1. French reference page with full bibliography
  2. swiss orthopaedics — recommendations
  3. SOFCOT — recommendations