Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a condition that makes the joints painful and stiff. It is the most common type of arthritis in the UK.

The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and stiffness in your joints. This can make it hard to move the affected joints and to do certain activities.

The symptoms may come and go, and this can be linked to things like how active you've been, and even the weather. In more severe cases, the symptoms can be there all the time.

Other symptoms you or your doctor may notice include:

• joint tenderness
• more pain and stiffness when you have not moved your joints for a while
• joints looking slightly larger or more 'knobbly' than usual
• a grating or crackling sound or feeling in your joints
• limited range of movement in your joints
• weakness and loss of muscle bulk

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body. The most common areas are the knees, hips, and the small joints in the hands. Often you will have symptoms in only one joint or a few joints at any one time.

As you age, the tissues around your joints age too. This natural ageing can sometimes develop into osteoarthritis.

With osteoarthritis, some of the cartilage in the joint can be lost (cartilage is the protective surface that lets your joints move smoothly). Bony growths can develop, and the area can become slightly inflamed (red and swollen).

These changes are what cause the typical symptoms of pain, stiffness and swelling.

The exact causes are not known, but there are several factors thought to increase your risk of developing the condition. These include:

• joint injury
• other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout
• age (most cases affect adults who are 45 or older)
• family history
• obesity

You can't prevent osteoarthritis, but making some lifestyle changes can reduce your risk. Maintaining a healthy weight may lower your chances of developing the condition.

There's no single test that can diagnose osteoarthritis. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine your joints to help work out whether you have the condition.

They may suspect osteoarthritis if you:

• are 45 or older
• have joint pain that comes on with activity

• You do not have morning joint stiffness that eases after 30 minutes

If your symptoms are different from those listed above, you may have another joint condition.

An X-ray can help doctors judge how much damage there is in your joints. But an X-ray is not currently recommended to diagnose osteoarthritis.

Exercise is one of the most important ways of managing osteoarthritis, whatever your age or level of fitness. The exercises recommended are specific ones that help strengthen the muscles and joints.

Some people worry that exercising will increase their pain and cause further joint damage. That isn't the case. Exercise can improve osteoarthritis, benefit the joints and reduce pain.

Exercise can also help ease symptoms because it can:

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

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

If you need pain medicine for osteoarthritis, use it only for a short time, and use it to support your exercise. Pain medicine can help you move more comfortably, and that can help your recovery.

The most effective painkiller for osteoarthritis is a gel containing ibuprofen, which you rub into the skin.

Other pain medicines, like paracetamol and opioids, are not as effective. They also come with potentially harmful side effects. If your pain stays at a high level, talk to a doctor about your options.

Corticosteroids are medicines that help reduce pain and inflammation. For osteoarthritis, they may also be given together with a local anaesthetic.

An injection won't cure your condition. Sometimes it can be used for short term pain relief when other treatments haven't worked. There are risks with this procedure, and it can contribute to your arthritis getting worse.

Manual therapy is a treatment given by a trained health professional for osteoarthritis. The professional uses stretching techniques to keep your joints supple and flexible.

You should only have it alongside exercise, never as a replacement for it.

If osteoarthritis makes it hard for you to move around or manage everyday tasks, supportive devices may help. There are many tools and aids that can make daily activities easier. If you think they would help you, talk to your doctor.

Other therapies and devices are often promoted or sold online for osteoarthritis, but they offer only limited benefit. These can include:

• glucosamine
• hyaluronan injections
• acupuncture
• electro therapy treatments

Doctors only recommend surgery for osteoarthritis when other treatments haven't worked, or when one of your joints is severely affected.

Surgery may greatly improve your symptoms, your mobility and your quality of life. But it can't be guaranteed to clear up your symptoms completely, and you may still have some pain and stiffness because of your osteoarthritis. The risks of surgery differ from person to person and depend on several factors, including:

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

Sometimes osteoarthritis means you need to take a little time off work so you can recover. How long you stay off depends on how your condition affects you and on what your job involves.

You don't have to be free of symptoms before you think about going back. Carrying on with work, or returning as soon as you're able, will help your recovery. Getting back to your normal daily activities step by step can build up your strength and stamina.