Arthritis treatments By Anne Harding When joint cartilage wears away, bone rubs against bone, causing osteoarthritis. Sounds painful? It is. Osteoarthritis seriously impairs the quality of life for 27 million Americans. Given that osteoarthritis is so disabling, painful, and common, lots of quack “cures” are out there, from shark cartilage to copper jewelry to snake venom. But here are 13 natural remedies that research suggests may actually help ease arthritis pain.