Overview
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease, caused by the wearing away of the cartilage that cushions the joints. It is also known as "wear-and-tear" arthritis. It affects 70% of people over age 65. It is most common in the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
As cartilage erodes, bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and limited movement.
Symptoms
- Joint pain (worsens with movement, improves with rest)
- Morning stiffness (usually less than 30 minutes)
- Joint tenderness
- Decreased range of motion
- Crackling or grinding sound in the joint
- Hardening around the joint (bone spurs)
- Joint swelling
- Pain worsened by weather changes
- Joint deformity in advanced cases
Causes
Cartilage erodes over the years. Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage repair mechanism becomes inadequate.
Risk Factors
- Age (strongest factor, over 50)
- Sex (more common in women)
- Obesity (especially for knee osteoarthritis)
- Joint injuries
- Overuse (some occupations and sports)
- Genetic predisposition
- Bone deformities
- Conditions such as diabetes, gout
- Poor cartilage quality
Complications
- Chronic pain
- Limited mobility, disability
- Risk of falls
- Sleep disturbances
- Depression
- Joint deformity
When to See a Doctor
- If joint pain or stiffness lasts more than a few weeks
- If it affects daily activities
- If there is significant swelling or deformity in the joint
- If it does not respond to medications
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis: Physical examination and X-ray (joint space narrowing, osteophytes).
Treatment:
1. Non-medication treatments:
- Weight loss
- Physical therapy and exercise
- Assistive devices (cane, knee support)
- Hot/cold therapy
2. Medications:
- Paracetamol
- NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac)
- Topical gels
- Intra-articular cortisone injections
- Hyaluronic acid injections
- PRP (platelet-rich plasma)
3. Surgery (in advanced stages):
- Arthroscopy
- Joint replacement (knee, hip)
- Osteotomy
Prevention
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Do joint-friendly exercises (swimming, cycling)
- Maintain proper posture
- Take joint injuries seriously
- Avoid overloading
- Strengthen muscles
- Ensure adequate vitamin D and calcium intake