What this section is
Many treatments for knee arthritis are advertised with big promises. This section looks at what the research shows for each one, in plain words, so you can weigh up the claims you hear.
Each page gives a short answer, an evidence grade, what the treatment is, what the studies found, the risks, and what usually works instead. Every page lists its sources.
How we grade the evidence
- Good evidence it helps
- Probably helps a little
- Probably does not help
- Not enough evidence yet
A grade can change. When a new study moves it, the page is updated and a dated note says what changed. See How we use evidence.
The pages
- Does exercise work for knee arthritis? Good evidence it helps.
- Do unloader knee braces work for knee arthritis? Probably helps a little.
- Do cortisone injections work for knee arthritis? Probably helps a little, for a short time.
- Does turmeric work for knee arthritis? Not enough evidence yet.
- Do stem cell injections work for knee arthritis? Not enough evidence yet.
- Does PRP work for knee arthritis? Probably does not help.
- Do hyaluronic acid injections work for knee arthritis? Probably does not help.
- Do glucosamine and chondroitin work for knee arthritis? Probably does not help.
- Does keyhole surgery work for a worn meniscus? Probably does not help.
- Does acupuncture work for knee arthritis? Probably does not help.
Before you decide
This section is general information. It cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own doctor or physiotherapist before changing your treatment. For the condition itself, see Osteoarthritis of the Knee. Mistakes can be reported through the contact form and are listed on our corrections page.