Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, the inflammation or swelling of one or more joints. More than 100 conditions affect the joints, tissues around the joint, and other connective tissues. Learn more about the different conditions.
OA is often referred to as degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis. It occurs most frequently in the hands, hips, knees, and spine when the cartilage within a joint begins to break down and the underlying bone begins to change. OA can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling and, in some cases, reduced function and disability.
Symptoms
OA usually develops slowly and gets worse over time. Symptoms include:
Pain in joints during or after movement
Stiffness, most noticeable upon awakening or after being inactive
Tenderness when light pressure is applied to or near the joint
Loss of flexibility
Grating sensation when using the joint, including popping or crackling sounds
Bone spurs, extra bits of bone that feel like hard lumps and form around the affected joint
Swelling of the soft tissue around the joint
Risk Factors
There are many factors that can cause OA, some of which can be controlled.
Joint injury, overuse, and repetitive stress on the joint
Age increases the risk
Women are more likely to develop OA than men, especially after age 50
Obesity, since extra weight puts more stress on joints, particularly the hips and knees
Genetics
Osteoarthritis in another body location
Bone deformities such as malformed joints or defective cartilage
Certain metabolic diseases such as diabetes and hemochromatosis
Complications
OA worsens over time and can result in chronic pain, sleep disturbances, and depression. Joint pain and stiffness can become severe enough to make daily tasks difficult.
Diagnosis
It’s recommended to visit a rheumatologist, a doctor specializing in arthritis and other related conditions, for a diagnosis. Find one here. In addition to a physical exam and review of symptoms, a diagnosis may include:
Imaging tests such as X-rays and MRIs to obtain pictures of the affected joint. X-rays can show cartilage loss and bone spurs, while MRIs provide more detailed information for use in complex cases.
Lab tests such as blood tests and joint fluid analysis that can help confirm the diagnosis by ruling out other causes of joint pain, including infection.
Treatment
There is no cure for OA since damage to the joints cannot be reversed. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and pain and may include:
Physical therapy with muscle strengthening exercises to increase flexibility
Occupational therapy to identify new ways to do everyday tasks
Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), as well as NSAIDs gels, applied to the skin over the affected joint. (not to exceed the recommended dose)
Prescription drugs including stronger NSAIDs and Duloxetine (Cymbalta), an antidepressant also approved to treat chronic pain.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), the use of low-voltage electrical current to relieve pain for short-term relief of knee and hip OA.
Cortisone injections to relieve pain for a few weeks, although medication can worsen joint damage over time.
Realigning bones such as an osteotomy, where a surgeon cuts across the bone either above or below the knee, and then removes or adds a wedge of bone.
Joint replacement when a surgeon removes damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with plastic and metal parts.
Lifestyle Changes and Self Care
There are many ways to help manage the symptoms and severity of OA including:
Low-impact exercises such as walking, bicycling or water aerobics to strengthen the muscles around the joint
Weight loss
Movement therapies like tai chi and yoga
Heat and cold. Heat, especially moist heat, can help muscles relax and ease pain. Cold can relieve muscle aches after exercise and decrease muscle spasms.
Supportive devices including braces, shoe inserts, or canes
Tools and aids to assist with daily tasks
Capsaicin, a chili pepper extract, applied to the skin over an arthritic joint might help, although some people cannot tolerate the irritation.
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish and fish oil supplements, might help relieve pain and improve function.
Attend regular healthcare appointments and discuss treatment with a doctor, including any supplements and OTC medications.