Osteoarthritis
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Overview |
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Arthritis means inflammation of joints - and the most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. When joints are affected by this condition, the cartilage becomes damaged and thin - when the body tries to repair itself, the bone underneath becomes thicker and changes shape. Sometimes, the bone at the edge of the joint begins to grow outwards, forming bony spurs. The membrane surrounding the joint may become inflamed. The damage can then cause the onset of symptoms, particularly in large joints such as the knees and hips.
The risk of developing osteoarthritis increases with age. However, the condition is not caused simply by wear and tear that occurs with years of use. Microscopic changes in the structure and composition of cartilage may be responsible. Younger people who develop osteoarthritis may have only a few, if any, symptoms; older people, however, may suffer from significant disabilities.
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Symptoms and Diagnosis |
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Various factors can increase the risk of osteoarthritis, and cause it to occur earlier in life:
- Obesity - this can be a major factor in the development of osteoarthritis, particularly in the knee joint, and especially in women
- Injury or over-use of a joint - some people who repetitively stress a joint, or a group of joints, are particularly at risk
- Genetics - some forms of osteoarthritis may run in families
The first symptom is likely to be pain in the affected joint, made worse by activities that involve weight bearing. Stiffness may be present after inactivity, but the stiffness will usually subside within 30 minutes of moving the joint. Eventually, the joint may become less movable and some loss of function may occur. Joints can become enlarged and may grate when they are moved. It is common for bony growths to develop in the joints at the ends or the middle of the fingers.
Osteoarthritis is usually diagnosed from the patient's symptoms and from a physical examination of the affected joints, which may reveal tenderness, swelling and pain on movement.
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Treatments |
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Management is directed at reducing stress on affected joints, activity and exercise, and treatment of the pain and inflammation caused by the osteoarthritis.
When all other treatments fail to relieve pain, surgery may help. Some joints can be replaced with an artificial joint - most commonly, the hip and the knee.
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What else can I do to help? |
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- Exercise such as stretching, strengthening, and postural exercises can help to maintain healthy cartilage, increase a joint's range of motion and strengthen surrounding muscles so that they absorb shock better.
- Try to avoid soft chairs, recliners, mattresses, and car seats that may worsen symptoms.
- Use straight-backed chairs, firm mattresses, and bed boards when possible
- Heat treatment can be useful.
- Splints and supports can protect specific joints during painful activities.
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Medical Information/Conditions |
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While there may be information on this website related to certain medical conditions and their treatment, should a medical condition exist, you should consider seeing your own physician or healthcare provider. We do not offer personalised medical diagnosis or patient-specific treatment advice. Indeed, only your doctor or other healthcare professional can determine if a medicine described in this (or any) website is appropriate for you.
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