Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Who Gets It, Diagnosis and Treatment

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. It affects only the joints — usually the hands, knees, hips, neck and lower back.

In a healthy joint, the ends of the bones are covered with cartilage, a smooth, slippery tissue that cushions them and lets them glide. In osteoarthritis the cartilage breaks down and turns rough; sometimes it wears away entirely and bone rubs on bone. Bumps of extra bone — bone spurs — may grow around the joint.

There is no cure, and it usually worsens slowly, but a lot can be done to manage the symptoms.

Symptoms

Osteoarthritis affects people differently, and not everyone has pain. The most common symptoms:

• pain when moving the joint, often better with rest;
• stiffness, especially for the first 30 minutes after getting up from rest;
• swelling, especially after heavy use of the joint;
• less movement in the joint than normal;
• a joint that feels loose or unstable.

Who gets it

The cause isn't known; researchers think a mix of factors in the body and in the environment is involved. The chance of it rises with age, and some people are more prone than others:

• age — it can happen at any age, but becomes likelier from middle age; after 50 it is more common in women;
• excess weight, which stresses the joints;
• a past joint injury or surgery — often the cause in younger adults;
• activities that overuse a joint, such as sports with a lot of jumping, twisting, running or throwing;
• a joint that doesn't line up correctly;
• family history — some people inherit genetic changes that raise the risk.

Diagnosis

There is no specific test. A provider will:

• ask about your symptoms and medical history;
• do a physical exam;
• perhaps use X-rays or other imaging of the joints;
• perhaps order lab tests to make sure another problem isn't the cause.

Treatment

The aims: ease pain, help you move better, and stop it getting worse. Treatment usually starts with:

• exercises for strength, flexibility and balance;
• weight loss, if needed — especially for hip or knee pain;
• braces or shoe inserts (orthotics) fitted by a provider.

Over-the-counter pain relievers and arthritis creams can help, but talk to your provider first. If they aren't enough, a provider may prescribe joint injections or prescription pain relievers.

Other help: massage can increase blood flow and warmth; some research suggests acupuncture may relieve pain; and simple heat and ice can help too. If nothing else works well enough, surgery may be an option to decide on with your provider.

Sources

Based on "Osteoarthritis," MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine, drawing on the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases; a work of the United States government in the public domain.