There are other choices to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis, including heat, activity, stretching and exercise, analgesic rubs like Voltaren, massage and MFR, braces to support painful joints...

But it is a really good idea to have a precise diagnosis, because if you happen to have rheumatoid arthritis, avoiding medication can lead to greater damage.

Also, osteo damage sometimes needs to be repaired surgically, and if ignored too long it's too late to fix. And sometimes, there are other therapies, including injections, that can help with the damage and pain by lubricating the joints, and sometimes even regrow some cartilage.

Good luck finding some strategies to help you manage.
Sue