Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.
It affects the joints, and is also known as degenerative or ‘wear and tear’ arthritis. Osteoarthritis pain increases as joints erode and bones edge closer together. That’s why the discomfort is often described as ‘bone grinding against bone‘.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, degenerative type of arthritis that impairs joint function.
All joints are susceptible, though it’s most common in knee, hip and hand joints.
It affects all parts of a joint, including bone, cartilage, ligaments and muscles. According to Osteoarthritis Australia, it involves:
- inflammation of tissues around a joint
- damage to joint cartilage
- bony spurs growing around the edge of a joint
- deterioration of ligaments and tendons around joints.
Osteoarthritis symptoms can relate to one, or all, of these factors.
The common ‘bone grinding against bone’ description is usually caused by cartilage changes.
Joint cartilage covers the end of your bones. It protects and cushions your joints, so they move comfortably and smoothly. If joint cartilage is damaged, movement becomes slow and uncomfortable.
What are the signs and symptoms of OA?
Osteoarthritis signs and symptoms are unique for each person. They depend on which joint is affected, and to what degree the joint is damaged. It’s common to experience:
- Joint inflammation
- Pain in or around a joint
- Swelling in or around a joint
- Impaired movement in the affected joint
- Clicking noises
- Grating or grinding sensations
- Poor joint flexibility
In the early stages, osteoarthritis symptoms develop slowly and are triggered by activity. But, as the condition progresses over months or years, symptoms become more constant. This can impact daily life and make it hard to walk, climb stairs and open jars. As a result, home, work and social interactions become harder. This is why people with OA are also prone to depression.
Factors causing osteoarthritis
It was once believed that osteoarthritis was only caused by joint ‘wear and tear’. Research has evolved. Now, osteoarthritis causes relate to anything that damages or breaks down joint cartilage.
Risk factors for osteoarthritis include:
- Age – Being over 50 years old
- Sex – Females who are 50+ are more susceptible. This is because estrogen deficiency can impair joint health
- Race – Indigenous Australians experience higher rates of musculoskeletal diseases, including OA
- Weight – Being overweight or obese puts extra pressure on joints
- Genetics – Having a family history of osteoarthritis increases your risk
- Joint Health – Previous joint injuries or joint overuse contributes to joint damage.
What osteoarthritis treatments are available?
Osteoarthritis treatment is different for each person. That’s because location and severity impact treatment options. There’s often a lot of trial and error involved in this process, as what works for one person may not help another.
For most people, osteoarthritis treatment involves at least of the following:
- Weight loss – This is essential if you’re overweight or obese
- Exercise – A tailor-made program can help maintain joint flexibility and mobility. It also promotes the healing flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients. A Physiotherapist can help you get started.
- Analgesic medicines – These reduce pain and inflammation. Pharmaceutical choices include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and paracetamol. Natural pain-relief options include Boswellia, Cat’s Claw, Curcumin. Consult a Naturopath or Ayurveda practitioner to discover the best herbal analgesics for you.
- Assistive devices – Take the pressure off weight bearing joints. Options include a knee brace, walking stick, adaptive utensils.
- Acupuncture – Studies show it can provide relief for osteoarthritis pain and inflammation.
- Diet – Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce symptoms. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains. Minimise processed sugar, refined foods, saturated fats, carbonated drinks, alcohol.
- Mindfulness meditation – Helps improve your ability to cope with painful sensations.
- Joint replacement surgery – Only considered if nothing else relieves osteoarthritis symptoms.
Is there a cure for osteoarthritis?
There is currently no cure for osteoarthritis. That’s why treatment focuses on symptom management and improving quality of life.
Scrutinise any product that claims to ‘cure’ osteoarthritis. While it may reduce symptoms, the TGA doesn’t recognise any osteoarthritis cure. This means that seeking to reduce symptoms and increase wellbeing is currently the best strategy.
How to get an osteoarthritis diagnosis?
Here’s what’s involved with getting an osteoarthritis diagnosis.
- Visit Your GP
They’ll check your joint for redness, inflammation, swelling and movement restrictions. Dagnostic imaging and blood tests are the next step in the process.
- Imaging
An X-Ray will reveal if you have narrowing of the spaces between joints. This indicates arthritis-related cartilage changes. If results are inconclusive, your GP may order an MRI. This will show more detail of your bones, cartilage and connective tissues.
- Joint Fluid Analysis
This is a common osteoarthritis diagnosis tool. A doctor inserts a needle into the painful joint and extracts fluid extracted from the area. They examine it for its colour, thickness, inflammatory chemicals, and more.
FAQs
What are 3 signs of osteoarthritis?
Joint Pain, Stiffness and Inflammation
What is the best thing to do for osteoarthritis?
Exercise is an effective osteoarthritis treatment as it promotes joint health and flexibility.
What is the main cause of osteoarthritis?
Doctors used to believe osteoarthritis was cause by joint ‘wear and tear’ that occurred with age. These days, science knows better. Osteoarthritis actually relates to anything which damages or breaks down joint cartilage.
