Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint condition characterised by the gradual breakdown of cartilage, which cushions the ends of bones, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility.

It most commonly affects weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine, but can also impact the hands. OA develops due to aging, joint overuse, genetics, obesity, or previous injuries.

As cartilage wears away, bones may rub against each other, causing discomfort and the formation of bone spurs. While there is no cure, treatments like physical therapy, medications, lifestyle changes, and, in severe cases, surgery can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Causes of Osteoarthritis

These are the causes.

Aging and Wear-and-Tear

As people age, the cartilage that cushions joints naturally wears down. This gradual degeneration reduces joint flexibility and increases friction between bones, leading to osteoarthritis.

Joint Overuse and Repetitive Stress

Repeated movements or excessive strain on joints, often due to physically demanding jobs or intense sports activities, can accelerate cartilage breakdown. Over time, this repetitive stress weakens the joint structure and contributes to osteoarthritis development.

Obesity and Excess Weight

Carrying extra body weight places added pressure on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips. This increased stress speeds up cartilage deterioration and contributes to inflammation, making osteoarthritis more likely to occur.

Genetics and Family History

A genetic predisposition can play a role in osteoarthritis. If close family members have the condition, there is a higher likelihood of developing it due to inherited traits that affect joint structure and cartilage resilience.

Joint Injuries and Trauma

Past injuries, such as fractures, ligament tears, or dislocations, can weaken joint integrity. Even if an injury heals, it can lead to long-term changes in joint mechanics, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis later in life.

Inflammation and Other Medical Conditions

Chronic inflammation from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or metabolic disorders can contribute to joint damage. Additionally, diseases that affect cartilage, such as gout, may increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

Types of Osteoarthritis

These are the types.

Primary Osteoarthritis

Primary osteoarthritis occurs due to the natural aging process, where the cartilage gradually breaks down without any identifiable underlying cause. It typically affects older adults and is most common in weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine. These people may often require specialised care.

Secondary Osteoarthritis

Secondary osteoarthritis results from an external factor, such as a joint injury, obesity, or a pre-existing medical condition like rheumatoid arthritis. These factors contribute to the accelerated breakdown of cartilage, often leading to earlier onset or more severe symptoms compared to primary osteoarthritis.

Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms, where the cartilage in the knee joint breaks down, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the joint. It often occurs due to aging, injury, or obesity, which increases the stress on the knee joint.

Hip Osteoarthritis

Hip osteoarthritis involves the gradual wear and tear of cartilage in the hip joint. It typically leads to stiffness, pain, and difficulty in walking or standing for extended periods. This form is commonly seen in older adults or those with a history of hip injuries.

Hand Osteoarthritis

Hand osteoarthritis affects the joints in the fingers and thumbs, often causing swelling, pain, and deformities. It is more prevalent in women, particularly as they age, and can result from repetitive hand movements or genetic predisposition.

Spine Osteoarthritis

Spinal osteoarthritis, also known as facet joint osteoarthritis, affects the joints in the spine and can cause back pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It commonly develops in the lower back and neck regions, often due to aging and wear on the spinal discs.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Joint Pain

One of the hallmark symptoms of osteoarthritis is joint pain, which typically worsens with activity and improves with rest. The pain may be mild initially but can become more intense over time as cartilage continues to degrade.

Stiffness

Osteoarthritis causes stiffness in the affected joints, particularly after periods of rest or inactivity. This stiffness can make it difficult to move the joint freely, especially in the morning or after sitting for extended periods.

Swelling

Swelling occurs as the joint becomes inflamed due to the breakdown of cartilage. Fluid can accumulate in the joint, leading to noticeable puffiness or tenderness around the affected area.

Decreased Range of Motion

As the joint structure deteriorates, individuals may experience a reduced range of motion, making it harder to perform normal movements like bending, stretching, or walking.

Bone Spurs

Bone spurs, or extra bone growths, can develop around the joint as a result of osteoarthritis. These growths can cause further pain, discomfort, or even limit joint mobility.

Tenderness

Tenderness in the affected joint is common, especially when pressure is applied. This sensation can occur along with swelling and stiffness, contributing to discomfort and difficulty using the joint.

Grating or Cracking Sensation

As the cartilage wears away, bones may begin to rub against each other, causing a grating or cracking sensation during movement. This symptom is often noticeable during activities like walking or climbing stairs.

Treatment for Osteoarthritis

Lifestyle Modifications

Making adjustments to daily habits can help manage osteoarthritis symptoms. This includes maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints, staying active with low-impact exercises, and using assistive devices like braces or orthotics to support joint function.

Medications

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can provide relief from pain and inflammation. In some cases, doctors may prescribe stronger medications or corticosteroid injections to manage more severe symptoms.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in strengthening the muscles around affected joints, improving flexibility, and reducing pain. A trained physical therapist can develop a customised exercise program to help manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis and improve joint function.

Heat and Cold Therapy

Applying heat or cold to the affected joint can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Heat therapy, such as warm baths or heating pads, can soothe stiff joints, while cold therapy, like ice packs, can numb the area and reduce swelling.

Joint Injections

In some cases, joint injections with hyaluronic acid or corticosteroids may be recommended to provide relief. Hyaluronic acid can help lubricate the joint, while corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and pain for a period of time.

Surgery

When other treatments do not provide relief, surgical options may be considered. Procedures can range from minimally invasive arthroscopy to more extensive surgeries like joint replacement, where damaged joints are replaced with prosthetic ones.

Alternative Therapies

Some individuals explore alternative treatments such as acupuncture, massage therapy, or supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin. These therapies may offer relief for certain people, though their effectiveness can vary. It’s important to discuss any alternative treatments with a healthcare provider.