Osteoarthritis

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder worldwide, affecting approximately 10% of the population. But being diagnosed with osteoarthritis doesn’t mean your condition will get worse. The good news is that there’s a lot you can do to improve your symptoms.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It affects the cartilage within the joint. This cartilage acts as a natural suspension and cushioning within the joint. Gradually over time, the cartilage can thin and the bag (capsule) which surrounds the joint can become irritable. Interestingly, we now know that these changes within the joint can occur without pain but sometimes these changes can cause symptoms.

While many people with osteoarthritis of a joint won’t have any symptoms, those who do can have a wide range of experiences.

Symptoms may include:

Most commonly, the joint can feel painful, stiff and swollen.
The joint may feel particularly stiff in the morning, and more painful at night.
Some people find that pain can wake them up at night.
You might notice that your joint makes crunching or grinding noises. (These noises are harmless and nothing to worry about as they are a common symptom of this condition.)

What causes osteoarthritis?

The exact cause of osteoarthritis is often not known, as there can be quite a few reasons why a person develops the condition. Osteoarthritis is common and can affect people of any age, but it usually starts in people over the age of 45. Our genetics will likely play a big part in our risk of developing osteoarthritis. Previous trauma or injuries to the joint can also increase the chance of developing osteoarthritis.

The pain associated with osteoarthritis is not simply just the result of the changes in the joint, in fact, research has shown that pain is influenced by a wide range of factors, including:

carrying excessive weight, particularly around the middle
muscle weakness
smoking
inactivity or over-activity
life changes, including periods of stress or illness
Poor mental health such as depression or anxiety
Other physical health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes

you cannot move your joint or put any weight through the leg (if its is your foot/ankle/knee or hip)
your joint is badly swollen or has changed shape
you have a very high temperature, feel hot and shivery, and have redness or heat around your knee – this can be a sign of infection

Facts about Osteoarthritis of the knee

Osteoarthritis can often present on an x-ray in those who do not have symptoms. This is because pain is influenced by more than just the changes you can see on an x-ray.

For example, research has shown that a 10% reduction of body weight (if you are overweight) results in a 50% reduction in pain. Evidence also shows that not being afraid to use your joint and a positive mindset will increase your chances of making meaningful improvements in your symptoms and function.

In fact, exercise is the best thing you can do for the health of your joints. Moving the joint and strengthening the muscles around the painful joint improves functional capacity of the area.

Next: Dealing with Osteoarthritis