Osteoarthritis
Also known as Degenerative joint disease, OA
This article is general health information for the selected condition. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace clinical judgement. If you have questions or need treatment advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, involving loss of cartilage together with changes in underlying bone and surrounding tissue. It most often affects knees, hips, hands and the spine. It is not simply inevitable wear and tear, and exercise is the single most effective treatment even though movement can feel counterintuitive when joints hurt.
Causes
- Progressive cartilage breakdown
- Bone remodelling with osteophyte formation
- Low grade inflammation in the joint lining
- Previous joint injury or surgery
- Abnormal joint loading or alignment
Symptoms
- Joint pain worse with activity and relieved by rest
- Short lived morning stiffness, usually under 30 minutes
- Stiffness after periods of inactivity
- Reduced range of movement
- Grating or crackling sensation
- Bony swellings in the fingers
- Joint instability or giving way
Risk factors
- Increasing age
- Female sex, particularly after menopause
- Obesity, which greatly increases knee osteoarthritis risk
- Previous joint injury
- Occupational kneeling, squatting or heavy lifting
- Family history
Diagnosis
- Clinical diagnosis in adults over 45 with activity related pain
- Examination for crepitus, bony swelling and reduced movement
- X-ray showing joint space narrowing and osteophytes
- Recognition that imaging correlates poorly with symptoms
- Blood tests only to exclude inflammatory arthritis
Treatment
- Structured exercise combining strengthening and aerobic activity
- Weight loss where relevant, which reduces knee load substantially
- Topical nonsteroidal anti inflammatory gels for knee and hand
- Oral analgesia used judiciously
- Intra articular corticosteroid injection for flares
- Walking aids and footwear advice
- Joint replacement when pain and function warrant it
Self care
- Exercise regularly, combining strengthening with low impact aerobic activity
- Lose weight if overweight, which markedly reduces knee load
- Use heat for stiffness and cold for a swollen joint
- Try topical anti inflammatory gel for knee and hand joints
- Use a walking stick in the opposite hand if needed
- Choose supportive cushioned footwear
- Pace activity across the week
When to see a doctor
Book an appointment if:
- Pain limiting daily activities or disturbing sleep
- Increasing difficulty walking or climbing stairs
- Joint locking or giving way
- Pain not controlled by current measures
- To discuss joint replacement
- Sudden worsening of a previously stable joint
Some symptoms need emergency care rather than an appointment. See the warning signs listed above.
Prevention
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Stay physically active to preserve muscle support
- Protect joints during sport and complete injury rehabilitation
- Vary repetitive occupational tasks
- Address joint injuries properly rather than returning too early
Outlook
Osteoarthritis progresses slowly and varies greatly between people. Exercise and weight management genuinely reduce pain and improve function, often more than medication. Many people manage well for decades. Joint replacement is highly effective when symptoms and function warrant it, with most implants lasting well beyond 15 years.
Common questions
Will exercise wear my joints out faster?
No. Appropriate exercise strengthens supporting muscles, maintains cartilage nutrition and reduces pain. Inactivity leads to weakness and stiffness that make symptoms worse over time.
Do X-ray findings match how much it hurts?
Often not. Some people with marked X-ray changes have little pain, while others with mild changes have severe symptoms. Treatment decisions are guided by symptoms and function rather than by images alone.
Do glucosamine and chondroitin help?
Evidence is weak and inconsistent, and major guidelines do not recommend them routinely. They are generally safe, but exercise and weight management deliver far more benefit.
References
Important: Dard AI is not a medical device and does not diagnose, treat, or replace clinician judgement. This article is general information only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about diagnosis and treatment, and seek emergency care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.