Presently, because there is no known cure for osteoarthritis, the major focus when for treatment is symptom relief. By and large, pain relievers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed to reduce joint pain and stiffness, and to enhance the patient’s quality of life.

In order to accomplish these goals, pain management consists of a broad array of interventions, one of which is drug therapy; non-opiod medications, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), followed by opiod (narcotic) medications if the latter fail to control symptoms.

Treatment options such as codeine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, morphine or oxycodone are considered to be "short-acting" opiods, requiring several doses throughout the day. However, the preferred opiod options for treatment of chronic pain are "longer acting" and deliver a more stable effect and require only one or two doses daily. Furthermore, less frequent dosing with long-acting or controlled released opiods also can improve adherence to the therapy. In certain, more severe conditions, short-acting opiod treatment may be suggested on as "as needed" basis in combination with a fixed-schedule administration of a long-acting drug for breakthrough pain.

Common side effects at the beginning of treatment can include drowsiness, confusion, and nausea which usually are of short duration and can be expected to lessen with time as the body adapts to the opiods. Constipation, however, can occur and be more severe, but is usually reversed with the use of supplement medication.

Even though consensus statements and guidelines from major professional organizations endorsing the use of opiod analgesics for persistent non cancer-related pain such as moderate to severe pain in osteoarthritis in knees and hips, their use remains a controversial topic.

However, when these options fail and your pain persists and interferes with your life, the possibility of surgical intervention should be discussed with an orthopedic surgeon. While age is an important factor, it is never a deterrent if you are general in overall good health.