What is Osteoarthritis? Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Key Takeaways

• Osteoarthritis is a joint condition in which the protective cartilage gradually wears down.
• It most commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and feet, with stiffness and joint pain presenting as early signs of osteoarthritis.
• While it cannot be completely cured, its symptoms can be effectively managed through healthy lifestyle changes, exercise, weight management, medications, and other appropriate treatments recommended by an arthritis expert.

Have you ever felt stiffness in your knees, hips, or hands when standing up after sitting for a while? Or found yourself thinking twice before taking the stairs, or carrying bags because you feel discomfort in your joints?

These may seem like ordinary signs of being tired or getting older, but when they happen more frequently, they could be early symptoms of osteoarthritis. Recognising this early is important, which is why this blog takes a closer look at osteoarthritis, from its early warning signs and common causes to practical ways of managing it.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage tissue that protects your joints wears down. Joints are the junctions where two bones meet, like your knees, shoulders, elbows, hips, or fingers. Normally, cartilage acts as a cushion in these joints and allows them to move easily. When the cartilage becomes thin, bones start rubbing against each other, which causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints.

There are two main types of osteoarthritis.

• Primary osteoarthritis – It develops naturally with age.
• Secondary osteoarthritis – It is caused by injury, obesity, or other medical conditions.

What are the Causes of Osteoarthritis?

Generally, the reason behind this condition is linked to gradual joint damage over time, but there are several other factors that cause osteoarthritis. These factors can be:

• Ageing that causes natural wear and tear in the cartilage tissue
• Injuries in the joint
• Obesity, as it causes pressure on the joints
• Family history
• Repetitive stress on the joints due to certain jobs or activities
• Weak muscles supporting the joints

Osteoarthritis becomes more common with age and may also develop after a joint injury, particularly if a joint is overused before it has fully healed.

Also Read: The risk of delaying Knee Replacement Surgery

What are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis?

The signs of osteoarthritis often develop slowly and worsen over time. Initially, you might notice:

• Joint pain during or after sitting, standing, moving, or doing any body movement
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest
• Tenderness when pressing the joints
• Low flexibility
• Grating sensation or cracking sounds
• Swelling around the joint

Also Read: Knee Cartilage Damage Repair and Replacement

Common areas affected in osteoarthritis –

• Knees
• Hips
• Hands and fingers
• Feet

In the early stages, symptoms may be mild. This is often referred to as mild osteoarthritis.

Also Read: Watch out for these early symptoms of arthritis

Who is at Risk of Osteoarthritis?

Certain people are more likely to develop osteoarthritis. If you fall into the following categories, there may be a higher chance of developing this condition.

• Age above 40
• Being overweight or obese
• Previous joint injuries
• Sedentary lifestyle (prolonged sitting or low physical activity)
• Family history of joint problems
• Occupations involving repetitive joint movements

Women are also slightly more prone, especially after menopause.

Also Read: Why joint pain occurs: The A-Z of Joint Pain

How is Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?

To diagnose this condition, your doctor may recommend the following:

• X-rays to see joint damage
• MRI in complex cases
• Blood tests to rule out other conditions

Rheumatologists or orthopedists also classify the condition into different stages, ranging from mild to severe. These osteoarthritis stages help guide better treatment.

Also Read: High Tibial Osteotomy

Treatment for Osteoarthritis

The difficult part of this condition is that there is no complete cure, but choosing the right treatment may help you lower the pain and improve your joint movement. To manage this condition, your arthritis expert may advise the following measures:

1. Healthy lifestyle changes like weight management and regularly doing low impact exercises like walking, swimming or yoga may help in dealing with osteoarthritis better.
2. As required, according to the severity of your condition, your doctor may recommend some medications. These can be pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or topical gels or creams.
3. Physiotherapy may also be recommended to strengthen your muscles around the joints and improve flexibility and mobility.
4. In severe cases, you may be advised to go for advanced treatments like steroid injections or joint replacement surgery.

Important Note – You must always consult an expert doctor before starting any medications, supplements, or complex exercises. Taking any step without proper guidance can worsen the condition instead of treating it.

Also Read: Why should you consider physiotherapy during pregnancy?

When to See Your Doctor?

You should book an appointment with an expert doctor, preferably an arthritis specialist, if you are persistently experiencing the following:

• Joint pain that lasts for weeks
• Stiffness while doing daily activities
• Constant swelling
• Difficulty in moving the joints

It is always better to find the reasons behind these discomforts early to improve the quality of life.

Also Read: Shoulder osteoarthritis – symptoms, causes & treatment

In Conclusion

We understand that conditions like osteoarthritis can affect your day to day activities. But staying consistent with healthy habits, timely treatment, and taking the right steps as suggested by your doctor can definitely help you manage it.

If you want to live an active and fulfilling life, don’t ignore the signs of osteoarthritis. You can reach out to us to understand your condition better and find the right solution.

FAQs

Can osteoarthritis be cured?

Although osteoarthritis cannot be completely cured, its symptoms can be managed effectively with the right treatment, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

What is the best treatment for osteoarthritis?

The best treatment usually includes a combination of exercise, weight management, medications, and physiotherapy. Severe cases may require surgery. But it is not necessary that what works for one may also work for you. So, always consult with an expert doctor to find the right treatment for your condition.

Which doctor to consult for osteoarthritis?

You should consult an orthopedic specialist or a rheumatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. At the CK Birla Hospital, we have a great team of expert doctors who can help you manage this condition.

What is knee joint osteoarthritis?

It is a type of osteoarthritis that affects the knee joint, causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty in movement. It is one of the most common forms of the condition.

What are the home remedies for osteoarthritis?

Some helpful natural remedies for osteoarthritis are:

• Warm compress or hot showers
• Gentle exercises like yoga
• Turmeric and ginger in the diet
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Using supportive footwear

These natural remedies are not a proper cure or treatment for osteoarthritis. You can follow them as a supportive treatment option after consulting with an expert doctor.

What foods to avoid if you have osteoarthritis?

Following an osteoarthritis diet can help manage symptoms. Try to limit:

• Processed foods
• Sugary drinks
• Excess salt
• Fried foods

Instead, focus on anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.