What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and a leading cause of pain and disability worldwide. It is a degenerative joint disease in which the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually wears down over time. As the cartilage deteriorates, bones can begin to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.
OA can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. It becomes more common with age, but it is not simply an inevitable part of ageing — lifestyle factors, genetics, and previous injuries all play a role.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Age — risk increases significantly after 50
- Sex — women are more likely to develop OA, especially after menopause
- Obesity — excess weight puts additional stress on weight-bearing joints
- Previous joint injuries
- Repetitive movements from work or sport
- Family history of OA
- Joint deformities or abnormalities
Symptoms
- Joint pain, especially after activity or at the end of the day
- Stiffness — particularly in the morning or after sitting
- Swelling around the affected joint
- A grating or crackling sensation (crepitus) when moving the joint
- Reduced range of movement
- Bony growths (osteophytes) around the joint
Treatment
There is no cure for OA, but treatments can effectively manage symptoms:
- Exercise — low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, and walking strengthen muscles around the joint
- Weight management — losing weight reduces pressure on joints
- Pain relief — paracetamol, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
- Physiotherapy
- Corticosteroid injections
- Assistive devices — walking sticks, knee braces
- Joint replacement surgery — for severe cases