Managing Pain and Preserving Mobility

Overview of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a condition that leads to pain and stiffness in the joints.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

The primary symptoms of osteoarthritis are joint pain and stiffness, along with difficulty moving the affected joint.

Other common symptoms include:

• Swelling
• Tenderness
• A grating or crackling sound when the joint moves

The severity of symptoms can vary widely between individuals and from one joint to another. For some, the symptoms may be mild and intermittent, while others may experience ongoing and severe discomfort that hinders daily activities. Although osteoarthritis can affect nearly any joint, it most commonly impacts the knees, hips, and small joints in the hands. If you experience persistent symptoms, it’s important to visit your doctor to confirm the diagnosis and explore appropriate treatment options.

Causes of Osteoarthritis

Throughout life, joints endure continuous low-level damage. Typically, your body repairs this damage without any noticeable effects. However, in osteoarthritis, the cartilage protecting the ends of your bones deteriorates, leading to pain, swelling, and movement difficulties. Bony growths may form, and the area may become swollen and red (redness may be less visible on darker skin).

The precise cause of osteoarthritis is unclear, but several factors are believed to increase the risk of developing it, including:

• Joint injury – Overusing a joint before it has fully healed from an injury or surgery can increase the risk.
• Other conditions – Osteoarthritis can develop in joints previously damaged by other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.
• Age – The likelihood of developing osteoarthritis increases with age.
• Family history – Osteoarthritis may run in families, although a specific gene has not been identified.
• Obesity – Excess weight puts added strain on joints, particularly those that bear the most weight, like the knees and hips.
• Gender – Osteoarthritis is more common in women than in men.

Diagnosing Osteoarthritis

To diagnose osteoarthritis, your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and examine the affected joints. Osteoarthritis is typically suspected if:

• You are 45 years of age or older
  
• Your joint pain worsens with use
  
• Morning stiffness in the joints is minimal or lasts less than 30 minutes

If your symptoms differ, it could indicate another joint condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis, which typically causes prolonged morning stiffness. In some cases, additional tests like X-rays or blood tests may be conducted to exclude other potential causes, such as rheumatoid arthritis or bone fractures.

Treatment for Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a long-term condition that cannot be cured, though it may not worsen over time and could even improve gradually. Several treatments are available to manage symptoms.

Mild symptoms can often be controlled with simple measures, including:

• Regular exercise
  
• Losing weight if overweight
  
• Wearing appropriate footwear
  
• Using supportive devices to minimize joint strain during daily activities

For more severe symptoms, you may need additional treatments such as pain relief medications and a structured exercise program with a physiotherapist. In some cases, if these treatments don’t work or if joint damage is severe, surgery may be needed to repair, strengthen, or replace the affected joint.

Living with Osteoarthritis

Since osteoarthritis is a long-term condition, it’s important to receive support for managing issues like reduced mobility and potential financial concerns. Some people find it helpful to talk to their doctor or connect with others who have osteoarthritis to share concerns and gain advice.

Preventing Osteoarthritis

Although osteoarthritis cannot be entirely prevented, you can reduce your risk by avoiding joint injuries and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Exercise

Excessive strain on your joints from frequent physical activity or jobs that overload them can increase the risk of osteoarthritis. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity (e.g., cycling or brisk walking) each week, along with strength exercises two or more days per week to keep your body generally healthy.

Posture

Maintaining good posture and avoiding staying in one position for too long can help protect your joints. For example, if you work at a desk, ensure your chair is properly adjusted and take breaks to move around regularly.

Losing Weight

Carrying excess weight increases the strain on your joints, particularly in areas like the knees and hips, raising your risk of osteoarthritis. If you’re overweight, losing weight may help reduce your chances of developing the condition. You can use the BMI healthy weight calculator to assess whether you are overweight or obese.