Osteoarthritis

As you get older, the tissues in and around your joints naturally go through wear and tear, and over time this can develop into osteoarthritis.

In osteoarthritis, some of the cartilage that normally cushions the joint and lets it move smoothly starts to wear away. Small bony growths can form, and the joint may become mildly inflamed, meaning it looks a bit red and swollen.

It is these changes that lead to the usual symptoms: pain, stiffness and swelling.

Doctors do not know the exact cause of osteoarthritis, but certain factors are believed to raise the risk of developing it. These include:

• an old joint injury
• other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout
• age, since most cases occur in adults aged 45 or older
• a family history of the condition
• being overweight or obese

There is no sure way to prevent osteoarthritis, but a few lifestyle changes can help lower your risk. Keeping your weight in a healthy range is one of the most useful steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing this condition.

There's no single test that can confirm osteoarthritis. Your GP or healthcare professional will ask about your symptoms and examine your joints to help figure out whether you have the condition.

They may suspect osteoarthritis if you:

Do

• are 45 or older
• have joint pain that gets worse with activity

Don't

• Do not have morning joint stiffness that eases within 30 minutes

If your symptoms differ from those listed above, it may point to a different joint condition.

An X-ray can help doctors assess how much damage your joints have, but it is not currently recommended for diagnosing osteoarthritis.

Exercise is one of the most important ways to manage osteoarthritis, no matter your age or fitness level. Doctors recommend specific exercises that help strengthen the muscles supporting your joints.

Some people worry that exercising will make their pain worse or damage their joints further. This is not true. Exercise can actually improve osteoarthritis, benefit your joints, and reduce pain.

Read about exercises for the hip

Read about exercises for the knee

Read about exercises for the hand

Exercise also helps ease symptoms in other ways. It can:

• help you lose weight
• improve your posture
• relieve stress

Read more about keeping active

Maintaining a healthy weight can be an important part of treatment, and it can often reduce joint pain significantly.

Read more information and tips on maintaining a healthy weight.

Pain medication

If you need pain medication, it should only be used short term, alongside exercise, not instead of it. Pain medication can help you move more comfortably, which supports your recovery.

The most effective painkiller for this condition is a gel containing ibuprofen that you rub into the skin.

More about taking painkillers

Other pain medications, such as paracetamol and opioids, are not as effective, and they carry potentially harmful side effects. If your pain stays at a high level, talk to a healthcare professional about your options.

Corticosteroid injections

Corticosteroids are medicines that help reduce pain and inflammation. They may also be given together with a local anaesthetic.

Injections will not cure your condition, but they can occasionally give short term pain relief when other treatments have not worked. This procedure carries some risks, including the possibility that it may worsen your arthritis over time.

Read more about corticosteroids

Manual therapy

Manual therapy is a treatment given by a healthcare professional. It uses stretching techniques to keep your joints supple and flexible.

Use this alongside exercise only, never as a replacement for it.

Supportive devices and aids

If your osteoarthritis causes mobility problems or makes everyday tasks difficult, supportive devices could help.

Many tools and aids are available to assist you with daily activities. If you think these might help you, speak to your healthcare professional.

Other therapies and devices

Other therapies and devices that are often promoted or sold online offer limited benefit. These include:

• glucosamine
• hyaluronan injections
• acupuncture
• electro therapy treatments

Surgery

Surgery for osteoarthritis is needed only when other treatments have not worked, or when one of your joints is severely affected.

Surgery may greatly improve your symptoms, mobility, and quality of life, but it cannot be guaranteed to resolve your symptoms fully. You may still experience some pain and stiffness because of your condition. The risks of surgery can vary depending on several factors, including:

• your age
• body weight
• smoking status
• general health
• expectations

Read more about waiting on a hip or knee replacement

Work

Osteoarthritis can sometimes mean you need to take time off work to support your recovery. How long you stay off will depend on the nature of your condition and the demands of your role at work.

You do not need to be completely symptom free before returning to work. Continuing to work, or going back as soon as you reasonably can, will actually help your recovery. Gradually building back up to your normal daily activities helps rebuild your strength and stamina.

Help and support

If you are struggling to manage these symptoms on your own, talk to a healthcare professional about what you are experiencing.

Find out how to access MSK services in your area.

When dealing with any health condition, it is important to look after your mental wellbeing too, since this can affect your recovery.

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