Osteoarthritis may feel like inevitable “wear and tear,” but science shows movement is one of the most powerful ways to protect and even heal joints. Despite strong evidence that exercise reduces pain and slows progression, many patients are still sent toward surgery before trying this simple, proven therapy. Credit: Shutterstock Stiff knees, sore hips, and persistent joint pain are often brushed off as normal signs of aging. But osteoarthritis, the most common joint disease worldwide, is not