Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint, the disorder most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine. Osteoarthritis symptoms can usually be managed, although the damage to joints can't be reversed. Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight and some treatments might slow progression of the disease and help improve pain and joint function.

Osteoarthritis

Causes

  • Joint wear and tear - Over time, the cartilage in your joints breaks down, leading to osteoarthritis.
  • Age - The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age.
  • Gender - Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men, especially after age 50.
  • Obesity - Excess weight puts additional stress on weight-bearing joints, such as your hips and knees.
  • Joint injuries - Injuries, such as those that occur during sports or accidents, can increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
  • Repeated stress on the joint - Jobs that involve repetitive stress on a particular joint may lead to osteoarthritis in that joint.
  • Genetics - Some people inherit a tendency to develop osteoarthritis.
  • Bone deformities - Some people are born with malformed joints or defective cartilage.
  • Certain metabolic diseases - These include diabetes and a condition in which your body has too much iron (hemochromatosis).
  • Previous joint surgery - Surgery to repair a joint injury can eventually lead to osteoarthritis in that joint.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Pain - Affected joints might hurt during or after movement.
  • Stiffness - Joint stiffness might be most noticeable upon awakening or after being inactive.
  • Tenderness - Your joint might feel tender when you apply light pressure to or near it.
  • Loss of flexibility - You might not be able to move your joint through its full range of motion.
  • Grating sensation - You might feel a grating sensation when you use the joint, and you might hear popping or crackling.
  • Bone spurs - These extra bits of bone, which feel like hard lumps, can form around the affected joint.
  • Swelling - This might be caused by soft tissue inflammation around the joint.
  • Joint instability - The joint may give way or buckle, especially the knee.

Diagnosis

Physical Examination

Your doctor will check your affected joints for tenderness, swelling, redness and flexibility.

X-rays

Cartilage doesn't show up on X-ray images, but cartilage loss is revealed by a narrowing of the space between the bones in your joint. An X-ray may also show bone spurs around a joint.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce detailed images of bone and soft tissues, including cartilage. An MRI isn't commonly needed to diagnose osteoarthritis but may help provide more information in complex cases.

Blood Tests

Although there's no blood test for osteoarthritis, certain tests may help rule out other causes of joint pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Joint Fluid Analysis

Your doctor might use a needle to draw fluid from an affected joint. The fluid is then examined for inflammation and to determine whether your pain is caused by gout or an infection rather than osteoarthritis.

Treatment Options

Medications

Medications used to treat osteoarthritis include over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and duloxetine (Cymbalta), which was originally developed as an antidepressant but has since been approved to treat chronic pain, including osteoarthritis pain.

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist can show you exercises to strengthen the muscles around your joint, increase your flexibility and reduce pain. Regular gentle exercise that you do on your own, such as swimming or walking, can be equally effective.

Injections

Corticosteroid injections can relieve pain in your joint. During this procedure, your doctor numbs the area around your joint, then places a needle into the space within your joint and injects medication. The number of cortisone injections you can receive each year is generally limited to three or four injections, because the medication can worsen joint damage over time.

Home Remedies

Exercise

Low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, and cycling can help improve joint function and reduce pain. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Always consult with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for managing osteoarthritis, especially in weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips. Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly reduce the stress on your joints and improve symptoms.

Heat and Cold Therapy

Applying heat or cold to painful joints can provide relief. Heat (such as a warm bath, heating pad, or hot water bottle) helps relax muscles and increase blood flow. Cold (such as an ice pack) helps reduce swelling and numb pain.

Assistive Devices

Using assistive devices such as a cane, walker, or knee brace can help take pressure off your painful joints and make daily activities easier. Shoe inserts or braces can help align your joints and distribute weight more evenly.

Rest

While exercise is important, it's also crucial to rest your joints when they're painful or swollen. Finding the right balance between activity and rest can help manage symptoms.

Preventive Care

  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on weight-bearing joints.
  • Stay active with low-impact exercises that don't strain your joints.
  • Protect your joints during activities by using proper techniques and equipment.
  • Strengthen the muscles around your joints to provide better support.
  • Improve your posture to reduce stress on your joints, especially in your spine.
  • Choose a diet rich in vitamins C, D, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, which may help protect your joints.
  • Avoid repetitive stress on your joints by taking breaks and varying your activities.
  • Wear supportive, well-cushioned shoes to reduce impact on your knees and hips.
  • Consider occupational therapy to learn how to perform daily tasks without putting extra stress on your joints.
  • Use assistive devices when necessary to protect your joints from excessive strain.

Surgical Options

Total Knee Replacement

A surgical procedure in which the damaged knee joint surfaces are replaced with metal and plastic components. It's typically recommended for severe osteoarthritis that hasn't responded to other treatments and significantly affects quality of life.

Learn More About This Procedure

Total Hip Replacement

A surgical procedure in which the damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial joint (prosthesis). This surgery is typically performed when hip pain and dysfunction become severe and other treatments haven't provided relief.

Learn More About This Procedure

Arthroscopic Surgery

A minimally invasive procedure in which a small camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the joint through a small incision. The surgeon can then view the inside of the joint on a screen and use small instruments to remove loose fragments of cartilage, smooth out rough surfaces, or repair other joint problems.

Learn More About This Procedure

Schedule a Consultation

If you're experiencing symptoms of osteoarthritis, our expert team is here to help you find the right treatment approach for your specific needs.

Book AppointmentCall (040) 4402 0000