Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is one of the more common types of arthritis. Currently 1 in 10 people in Australia have osteoarthritis (Arthritis Australia 2008).

In this article:

• What is osteoarthritis?
• Osteoarthritis signs & symptoms
• Osteoarthritis risk factors
• Osteoarthritis diagnosis
• Osteoarthritis treatment & management

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects the joints (where two bones meet). The ends of our bones are normally protected by a layer of cartilage that reduces friction and pressure helping the joints to move freely. In osteoarthritis the cartilage degenerates and thins, the joint can stiffen and boney projections develop.

Osteoarthritis commonly affects the joints of the knees, hips and hands. It can occur gradually over years causing discomfort and disability in the joints that makes carrying out everyday tasks difficult. 

Older people with osteoarthritis can have significant disability and need extensive assistance with activities of daily living.

Osteoarthritis signs and symptoms

Osteoarthritis affects everyone differently. Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis generally develop over time. Osteoarthritis causes the joints to feel stiff and sore. Joint pain tends to be worse in the morning or increase after periods of stress on a joint or prolonged inactivity.

For some people osteoarthritis causes major damage to the joints and a breakdown in cartilage that contributes to loss of movement in the joints. People living with osteoarthritis can have problems walking up and down stairs, getting up and down or they may walk with a limp.

Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

•  Pain and stiffness in the joints
•  Loss of movement
•  Boney growths or lumps in the fingers or toes

Anyone who experiences joint pain and stiffness should see their doctor. Learning how to manage the symptoms early on can increase quality of life.

Osteoarthritis risk factors

A number of risk factors have been found to contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. It is common in people over 45 years but is also found in younger people.

Some factors that may contribute to osteoarthritis include:

•  Genetics
•  Injury
•  Obesity
•  Age
•  Repetitive movement to the joints of the knees and hips and heavy lifting 

Osteoarthritis diagnosis

Osteoarthritis symptoms will vary between individuals. A doctor will diagnose osteoarthritis from a person's description of the symptoms and a medical examination.

An x-ray may be taken to support the diagnosis or determine damage to a joint but sometimes this is not evident. Blood tests will help omit other types of arthritis. 

Osteoarthritis treatment & management

There is no cure for osteoarthritis. Treatment will focus on relieving pain, maintaining movement and preventing disability. Management depends on what joints are affected and how much it impacts on daily life.

Most people manage the condition by adopting new ways of doing daily tasks, using assistive aids and managing their pain. Arthritis management also includes adopting a healthy diet and gentle exercise.

Sometimes surgery is necessary to replace joints of the hip and knee when other methods don't work. Osteoarthritis can be crippling for older people. Performing every day tasks such as showering and dressing can be difficult with increasing loss of movement and pain.

What can help?

•  Support the joints
•  Hot and cold packs to reduce pain and swelling
•  Walking aids to reduce pressure on joints
•  Good shock absorbing shoes
•  Gentle exercise such as hydrotherapy
•  Using arthritis aids

Helpful resources

• For more detailed information about arthritis and to download useful fact sheets on how to manage osteoarthritis visit Arthritis Australia or call Arthritis Australia on 1800 011 041. 
   

References

Arthritis Australia 2008
Taking control of your osteoarthritis
Accessed 2008
See Osteoarthtritis (new booklet)

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Osteoarthritis
Accessed 2008