OA Action Alliance

02/13/2026

Living with osteoarthritis doesn't mean giving up dessert! Try these anti-inflammatory sweet ideas that may support joint health.

Small swaps can make a big difference. Your joints will thank you!!

02/11/2026

Managing OA effectively means prioritizing strategies that keep you moving and feeling your best. Whether it’s finding a low-impact exercise you actually enjoy, practicing joint protection techniques, or simply checking in with your mental health, every small step counts.

The Osteoarthritis Action Alliance is here to help you move from "I can't" to "I can" with evidence-based resources designed for real life.

Self-Care Tip: Movement is medicine! Try some gentle stretching today. Your joints will thank you later.

02/10/2026

Estimates from the 2023 NHIS showed that 24.8 million adults or 47.8% of adults with arthritis reported arthritis-attributable activity limitations. Although this is a decline from 2019 (49.2%), the change is not statistically significant. https://bit.ly/4rlG5M5

02/09/2026

Catch up on the latest in osteoarthritis research in this week's Research Roundup https://bit.ly/4acilmJ

02/06/2026

The Healthy Living BEYOND Weight™ Study is a nationwide research study led by the American Heart Association to better understand long-term health experiences of adults living with obesity or those who are overweight. Learn more:

Make a difference! Help us learn how to manage weight better.

02/05/2026

They say you can’t do two things at once, but your body begs to differ.

During National Cancer Prevention Month, we’re highlighting the ultimate "two-for-one" health hack: Physical Activity. Regular movement is a scientifically proven way to reduce your risk of several cancers and the most effective non-drug treatment for managing osteoarthritis.

Whether it’s a 10-minute stroll or a session of Tai Chi, moving your joints today helps prevent the cellular damage and weight-related stress that lead to bigger problems tomorrow.

Joint pain shouldn't be a barrier to prevention. Learn about the Walk With Ease program: https://bit.ly/4kl29nB

02/03/2026

Movement is medicine, for your heart and your joints. ❤️
During Heart Month, we’re reminding folks with osteoarthritis that gentle, consistent activity can support heart health while protecting your joints.

02/02/2026

Catch up on the latest in osteoarthritis research in this week's Research Roundup https://bit.ly/4k5ZE8z

01/30/2026

The January 21, 2026, Lunch & Learn recording is now available!
https://bit.ly/4qLxJ0b

01/29/2026

Did you know arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the U.S.? The Osteoarthritis Action Alliance is dedicated to improving prevention, early intervention, and quality of life for millions living with OA. Learn more and help us raise awareness!
https://oaaction.unc.edu/en/

01/28/2026

Hand osteoarthritis can make simple tasks feel harder, but gentle movement can help.
Regular hand mobility exercises increase flexibility, reduce stiffness, and support everyday activities like gripping, holding, and typing. Try starting with slow, comfortable movements and warm up your hands before exercising. Every bit counts!

01/27/2026

While movement and lifestyle are key, pharmacologic treatments play a huge role in keeping you active. Current clinical guidelines emphasize a "stepped" approach to pharmacologic management:

First-Line: Topical NSAIDs are highly recommended for their efficacy and superior safety profile, particularly for superficial joints like the knees.

Second-Line: Oral NSAIDs or Acetaminophen, used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary.

Adjunctive Therapy: Intra-articular injections for patients who do not respond to initial treatments or have multiple joints involved.

The goal of medication in OA isn't just pain suppression—it’s functional restoration. By reducing pain, we enable patients to engage in the most critical "medicine" of all: movement.
https://unc.live/45V9h48