Then the layer of bone underneath the cartilage develops cracks and uneven wear. The body tries to repair the breakdown but a lack of blood supply to the area delays or prevents regeneration.

As the old saying goes, Motion is lotion. Movement helps the joint stay moist and smooth moving. But the pain and swelling of OA keeps the person from wanting to move. That's when early over-the-counter analgesics and antiinflammatories can be helpful.

Tylenol is the first choice of many patients. It is safe, helps reduce pain, and it's low in cost. About half of all OA sufferers find that a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen works well to control inflammation as well. By keeping the inflammation out of the joint, further damage can be prevented.

Your best course of action is to keep moving. Low-impact exercise such as swimming, water aerobics, or bicycling can help. Sometimes a shoe insert, taping the kneecap, or an off-loading knee brace can help align the joint and reduce uneven forces. A physical therapist can help you find the right type and amount of exercise. The therapist can also advise you about bracing or shoe supports.

Many patients find it helps to take a supplement containing glucosamine and chondroitin. Studies have not been able to prove or disprove the use of these supplements for OA. Results seem to vary depending on the product and dose used. It may be that only certain people are helped by these supplements. For the moment, until more is known, it seems that they can't hurt and they may help.