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Osteoarthritis

 

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wear down over time.  Eventually, if the cartilage wears down completely, bone will rub on bone. As it degenerates, there will be changes in the bone and deterioration of the connective tissues that hold the joints together and attach muscle that cause inflammation of the joint lining.

Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint, osteoarthritis most commonly affects the joints in your hands, knees, hips, and spine. The damage to joints due to osteoarthritis can’t be reversed, but symptoms can be managed.

What causes osteoarthritis?

The exact cause of osteoarthritis is not fully understood. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but several treatment approaches can help manage the condition and improve the quality of life for individuals with OA. 

Common causes can include:

  • Age: Osteoarthritis becomes more common as people age.
  • Genetics: There may be a genetic component that predisposes some individuals to OA.
  • Joint Overuse: Repetitive stress or overuse of a joint can contribute to the development of OA.
  • Joint Injuries: Previous joint injuries, such as fractures or ligament tears, can increase the risk of developing OA.

What are symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis symptoms typically develop slowly and worsen over time. The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

  • Pain – affected joints may hurt during or after movement. 
  • Stiffness – joint stiffness upon waking up or being inactive for a long period of time.
  • Tenderness – joints that feel tender when applying light pressure.
  • Loss of flexibility – joints that are unable to move full range of motion.
  • Grating sensation – you may experience a grating sensation or hear sounds of popping or crackling.
  • Bone spurs – extra bits of bone can form around the affected joint.
  • Swelling – caused by soft tissue inflammation around the joint.

How is osteoarthrisits diagnosed?

Your provider will review your medical history and perform a physical examination, including checking your affected joint for tenderness, swelling, redness and flexibility. Other tests that may be needed include:

  • X-rays – can reveal potential cartilage loss and bone spurs that have formed around a joint.
  • MRI – shows detailed images of bones and soft tissues, including cartilage.
  • Blood tests – can help to rule out other causes of joint pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Joint fluid analysis – to test for inflammation to determine whether your pain is caused by gout or an infection. 

What are treatment options for osteoarthritis?

Your provider may recommend nonsurgical treatments that can help to reduce pain and help control symptoms of osteoarthritis, including:

  • Medications – help to relieve osteoarthritis symptoms, primarily pain.
  • Physical therapy – helps to strengthen the muscles around your joint, increase flexibility and reduce pain.
  • Occupational therapy – helps to show alternative methods of daily living that doesn’t put extra stress on the affected joint.

If nonsurgical treatments don’t help to relieve pain, your provider may recommend treatments such as:

  • Cortisone injections – may help to relieve pain for a few weeks. 
  • Lubrication injections – injections of lubrication may help to relieve pain by providing some cushioning in your joints. 
  • Joint replacement – in this surgery, your surgeon removes your damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with plastic and metal parts. 

How can osteoarthritis pain be managed?

Pain management is an integrated approach to making pain tolerable by learning physical, emotional, intellectual, and social skills. This may include exercise, physical therapy, medication, holistic therapies, and counseling. With these methods, we can help you stay in control of your health.

Although you cannot reverse damage done by osteoarthritis, there are things you can do to manage your symptoms, including:

  • Low-impact exercise.
  • Losing weight.
  • Movement therapies, including yoga.
  • Heat and ice.

Management of osteoarthritis is individualized, and treatment plans are developed based on the specific joints affected, the severity of the condition, and the patient's needs and goals. Early diagnosis and appropriate interventions can help slow the progression of osteoarthritis and improve the patient's quality of life.

Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a pain management specialist or orthopaedic surgeon or call 515.875.9000.