If you suspect you may have early symptoms of osteoarthritis or if you have recently been given a diagnosis, this article offers some basic information about the condition, its symptoms and how to manage them, both in the early stages and as it progresses. It is important to get a proper diagnosis as other conditions share similar symptoms. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, early treatment can slow its development.
What is osteoarthritis?
There are many different types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis is the most common. It is a degenerative disease that occurs when the cartilage that normally cushions the ends of the bones in your joints, becomes damaged. Cartilage is a firm, slippery tissue that allows the bones to move smoothly over each other. When it starts to deteriorate, the joint becomes inflamed and painful. Over time, the cartilage may wear away completely, causing the bones to rub against each other. At this point, surgery may be the best treatment option.
Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint in the body, but it most commonly affects the hips, knees and hands. The World Health Organization estimates that worldwide 9.6% of men and 18% of women over 60 have the condition.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis
Symptoms of osteoarthritis normally develop slowly, becoming worse over time. If you are experiencing any of the following, we recommend seeking a medical diagnosis, particularly if you have had the problem for some time:
- Joint pain during or after movement.
- Stiffness, which tends to be worse after a period of inactivity or when you first wake up in the morning.
- Loss of movement and flexibility in the affected joint.
- Swelling, heat or tenderness around the joint due to inflammation.
- Popping or crackling sounds or a grating sensation when you move the joint.
- Hard lumps around the joint which are bony spurs that can develop as the disease progresses.
Causes of osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is often called ‘wear and tear arthritis’ because it is associated with ageing. The risk of developing the condition increases the older you get. It is most common in women and in people with diabetes. Osteoarthritis is also linked to obesity, as carrying extra weight places increased stress on weight-bearing joints such as hips and knees.
Fatty tissue produces harmful proteins which can increase inflammation around your joints. If you damage your joints as the result of a traumatic injury or repetitive strain, you are also more likely to develop osteoarthritis.
Managing mild to moderate arthritis with lifestyle changes
In the early stages of the disease, you can normally manage osteoarthritis by making some simple changes in your life. Such measures can be helpful even if you don’t have the condition as they may help to prevent osteoarthritis:
- Supplements: A study by scientists at the University of Surrey looked at the role of diet and nutrition in osteoarthritis. They concluded that taking a gram of fish oil per day can help reduce pain, as well as improving heart health. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, were shown to reduce inflammation in joints.
- Exercise: The same research showed that maintaining a healthy weight and increasing low-intensity physical activity helped to reduce cholesterol levels in blood (often high in people with osteoarthritis) and relieved pain. Try a mix of activities that involve stretching and strength training, as well as aerobic exercise. Swimming and walking are ideal.
- Diet: Eating a healthy balanced diet can help with weight loss, which relieves pressure on joints. Certain vitamins, such as Vitamin K (which is found in foods like spinach and kale), have been shown to be beneficial in repairing and preventing cartilage damage.
- Rest: As important as exercise is to mental and physical wellbeing, overusing joints and muscles can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis. It is important to give your joints a break after exercising, particularly if they are achy or swollen.
- Modifying your activity: It’s important to be aware of what you are doing that could be exacerbating your symptoms. For example, you may have a job that involves a lot of kneeling or lifting, or you may be participating in high impact sports. Talk to your doctor about how you might be able to reduce the impact of these activities on your joints.
- Painkilling medication: If you are experiencing joint pain, taking over-the-counter painkillers can help you to manage the discomfort.
Options as the condition worsens
Unfortunately, osteoarthritis symptoms worsen over time. As the condition develops you are likely to require more medical intervention. Among the treatments available for osteoarthritis are:
- Physiotherapy: a physiotherapist can recommend a programme of exercises to improve flexibility, reduce pain and strengthen the muscles around your joint. If your job involves activities that place stress on your joints, you may need support from an occupational therapist.
- Therapeutic injections: you may be offered an injection of corticosteroids into the affected joint. This procedure provides short-term relief from pain but cannot be repeated more than three or four times as there is a risk of joint damage. Other types of therapeutic injections may also be offered, including injections of hyaluronic acid which mimics natural joint fluid and can help to lubricate the joint.
- Surgery: when osteoarthritis becomes severe, the best treatment option is normally joint replacement surgery. This involves removing the damaged joint and replacing it with an artificial implant. There are different types of joint replacement surgery and your surgeon will discuss the best option for you.
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