Knee Osteoarthritis × Topical Treatments
Topical Treatments for Knee Osteoarthritis
Comprehensive guide to using topical treatments for treating knee osteoarthritis. Learn about effectiveness, what to expect, and coverage options.
Evidence: moderate
Medicare: Covered
Type: medications
How Topical Treatments Helps Knee Osteoarthritis
Complete guide to topical treatments for arthritis and joint pain. Compare prescription and over-the-counter options including diclofenac gel, capsaicin, and lidocaine patches.
For patients with knee osteoarthritis, topical treatments may help by addressing the underlying joint damage and providing symptom relief.
Potential Benefits
Considerations
Who May Benefit
Topical Treatments for knee osteoarthritis is typically considered for patients who:
- Have tried conservative treatments (rest, OTC medications) without adequate relief
- Have mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis
- Want to delay or avoid surgical intervention
- Have no contraindications to the treatment
Quick Links
Find Providers
Search for specialists offering topical treatments for knee osteoarthritis.
Search ProvidersInsurance Coverage
Coverage for topical treatments when treating knee osteoarthritis.
| Insurance Plan | Covered? | Prior Auth | Est. Cost | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| aetna | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| aetna | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| aetna | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| aetna | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| aetna | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| bcbs | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| bcbs | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| Aetna | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| bcbs | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| bcbs | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| bcbs | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| cigna | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| cigna | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| cigna | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| cigna | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| humana | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| Cigna Healthcare | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| humana | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| cigna | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| humana | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| humana | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| humana | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| medicare-advantage | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| Humana | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| medicare | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| medicare | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| medicare | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| medicare | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| medicare | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| medicare | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| guide | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| guide | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| unitedhealthcare | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| unitedhealthcare | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| unitedhealthcare | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| unitedhealthcare | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| unitedhealthcare | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| UnitedHealthcare | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| aetna | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| bcbs | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| cigna | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| medicaid | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| humana | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| medicare | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| unitedhealthcare | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| bcbs | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| private | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage | |
| other | Not required | $10-$30 (OTC); $50-$300 (prescription) | Standard coverage |
Typically covered
Not covered / experimental
Prior authorization required
Coverage information is provided as a general guide and may vary by specific plan, location, and medical necessity. Always verify coverage directly with your insurance provider before scheduling treatment. Cost estimates assume standard Medicare rates and typical copay structures.
Is This Treatment Right for You?
Take our treatment assessment to see if topical treatments might be a good option for your knee osteoarthritis.
Take Assessment