Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, commonly called OA, is the most common form of arthritis and can affect any joint. It often occurs in joints such as hips, knees, hands, feet, and spine.  

Osteoarthritis changes in the joint include the joint cartilage. Cartilage is the ‘shock absorber’ and protective lining of the joint.  

With osteoarthritis, inflammation affects the cartilage which results in thinning, roughening, or breaking down of the cartilage. With cartilage breakdown, there can also be other bone and joint changes that may add to discomfort, pain, stiffness, and swelling. 

Osteoarthritis usually develops slowly with only small changes developing over many years.  

Osteoarthritis can be mild or severe, affect one joint, or it can be more widespread affecting more joints.

Symptoms may include some or all of the following and are relieved by rest.  

• Joint stiffness in the morning or after exercise, subsiding within 30 minutes
• Pain or swelling in or near joint
• Muscle weakness 
• Creaking or cracking sensation with joint movement

There are no blood tests for osteoarthritis. It is diagnosed by your doctor taking your medical history (asking you questions about your pain and your joints). They will then do a physical examination of affected joints. Your doctor might order an X-ray if your symptoms are severe enough to be considered for joint replacement. X-rays and other scans are not needed for diagnosis.

Lifestyle is an important part of managing symptoms, improving well-being, and reducing flares. This includes healthy nutrition and regular exercise. 

• Regular exercise helps maintain the range of movement of the affected joint, and improves muscle strength to support the joint. Try low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, rowing, and walking
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the affected joints
• Protect your joints by using assistive tools and devices that reduce the load on your joints, pacing exercise and activities, and resting in between activities

• Osteoarthritis is more common as we age, in women, and if we are carrying extra weight
• It can run in families
• People who have joint injury or infection, or do hard, repetitive physical activity can develop osteoarthritis

This is generally through your GP. Paracetamol is the first medication used to treat pain. If you don’t tolerate paracetamol, then discuss the pain medication that is appropriate for you with your doctor. Often, what your doctor prescribes can be the same as some medications you can buy without a prescription. Never double up on the dose or type of medication you are taking. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist. Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, braces, and splints might be recommended too.

• The best chance to slow down the progression of osteoarthritis is to be diagnosed as soon as possible and start treatment
• Exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are the first steps to take to slow the progression
• Getting enough sleep and managing your stress have also been shown to reduce your pain level
• If you think you might have osteoarthritis, we suggest you talk to your health care provider today

Clinically reviewed in 2024.