Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disorder syndrome characterized by progressive damage to articular cartilage, and is one of the most common joint disorders and one of the most common causes affecting the quality of life of the elderly. According to epidemiological surveys, the prevalence of OA among people aged 55-64 years is 40%. With the increase in the world’s aging population, the incidence of OA is also showing a year-on-year increase in the trend. At present, OA is mostly treated by arthroplasty after the development of advanced OA, but there is no treatment that can stop the progression of the disease in the early and middle stages of OA. Therefore, the existing treatments should be used rationally according to the principles of evidence-based medicine in order to maximize the improvement of the disease and reduce the suffering of patients. The pathological features of osteoarthritis include destruction of articular cartilage, changes in subchondral bone (sclerosis, cystosis) and formation of bone fragments. Destruction of articular cartilage often begins with focal damage to the cartilage surface and progresses to more extensive cartilage destruction. The etiology of osteoarthritis is unclear. Genetic and environmental factors, especially the aging process, as well as normal wear and tear, chronic injury, obesity, and dietary habits are all possible causative factors. Modern biological research has shown that cytokines, growth factors, and immune factors are all related to the development of OA. There is evidence that the following causes can all contribute to the development of OA: (1) age; (2) genetic factors; (3) obesity; (4) mechanical and traumatic factors; (5) endocrine disorders; (6) the effect of free radicals on joint cartilage, etc. Non-pharmacological conservative treatment of osteoarthritis Non-pharmacological conservative treatment is the basis of pharmacological and surgical treatment. For first-time patients with OA who do not have severe symptoms, this should be the first treatment recommended by clinicians, including patient education about the disease, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, weight loss, and appropriate gymnastic activities. Medication for osteoarthritis Treatment medications are divided into two categories: symptom improvement and condition modification medications. Symptom improvement drugs are mainly analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); disease-modifying drugs are drugs that are expected to delay or even reverse the course of osteoarthritis. For patients with early or mid-stage osteoarthritis, drug therapy has the advantage of being easy to administer, reliable and easy to maintain. The treatment plan should be chosen according to the needs of each patient and weighing the pros and cons. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs include aspirin, salicylic acid, pautazone, indomethacin, naproxen, nabumetone, diclofenac, meloxicam, etodolac, sulforaphane, and acitretin, as well as opioids. 2.The drugs that change the condition of osteoarthritis include glucosamine and diacetin, while the therapeutic value of aminoglycans and chondroitin sulfate for knee OA is still under further study. 3, Chinese medicine has certain advantages in the treatment of osteoarthritis, including external and internal use. Externally, there are ointments and herbal fumigation, and internally, the staged dialectical use of drugs. In conclusion, although osteoarthritis is a major problem in the field of medicine, a large amount of basic and clinical research is currently underway, which will lead to a deeper understanding of it. Clinicians should keep their knowledge up to date and propose individualized treatment plans according to the patient’s specific situation.