Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, characterized by the progressive breakdown of cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in the joints. Diagnosis is typically based on a patient's reported symptoms of joint pain, stiffness (especially after inactivity), and reduced range of motion, which are then confirmed through physical examination and X-rays that show joint space narrowing and bone spurs. The treatment approach is stepped, beginning with conservative measures like physical therapy, weight management, and low-impact exercise to strengthen supporting muscles. Medical management primarily focuses on pain control using over-the-counter analgesics (like acetaminophen) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), sometimes supplemented with corticosteroid injections for flare-ups. When these methods no longer provide adequate relief, surgical choices become an option, including arthroscopy to clean out the joint or, most commonly for advanced OA in hips and knees, total joint replacement (arthroplasty), which is highly effective at restoring function and relieving pain. The cost expectations for managing OA are twofold: there are the ongoing, lifelong costs of medications, therapy, and assistive devices, and then the substantial one-time expense of joint replacement surgery, which includes the hospital stay, surgeon's fees, implant cost, and post-operative rehabilitation.