Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis—affecting more than 32.5 million adults. It becomes more common as people grow older, and it occurs more often in women than men, especially after age 50. A variety of complementary health approaches have been studied for osteoarthritis symptoms.  

• Research studies show that practicing tai chi can lead to improvements in pain, stiffness, and physical function in people with knee or hip osteoarthritis. Yoga, which is similar to tai chi, might also help, but much less research has been done on yoga than on tai chi. 
• Acupuncture might be helpful. Research results indicate that it’s not just a placebo, but its effects are relatively modest and may last for only a short time. 
• Studies of glucosamine and chondroitin for knee osteoarthritis have had conflicting results. Despite extensive research, it’s still uncertain whether these dietary supplements have a meaningful impact on osteoarthritis symptoms.