Conditions and Services Joints, Arms and Legs Arthritis Bones and Muscles

The basics of osteoarthritis

Woman holding her knee

Osteoarthritis (also referred to as OA) is considered the most common joint disorder, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time, and can be responsible for significant disability.

What does Osteoarthritis impact?

As a non-inflammatory form of arthritis, OA can generally affects the hands, finger joints, base of thumb, neck, lumbar spine, hips (manifests as groin pain), knees, midfoot and great toe. It is characterized by loss of joint space, enlarged joints (bone spurs), pain which worsens with activity and decreased range of motion.

Brian-Fay-Internal-MedicineFT.jpg
Brian Fay, MD

What are the symptoms?

OA is commonly found incidentally on x-ray. Occasionally a patient may not even have symptoms that are currently manifesting.

Symptoms typically include:

  • Pain, especially with activity
  • Joint instability
  • Stiffness after inactivity
  • Stiffness in the morning, especially within the first 30 minutes
  • A grinding sensation (crepitus)
  • Weakness of surrounding soft tissue structures
  • Bony joint enlargement
  • Occasional swelling

What are the risk factors?

OA incidence increases if you are a female, with increasing age and is extremely common after the age of 50.

Risk factors for this disorder can include:

  • Familial/genetic predisposition, especially women after menopause
  • Previous trauma
  • Certain occupations
  • Obesity
  • Abnormal joint mechanics (i.e. knock knees)
  • Smoking

What should I do if I have symptoms?

If you notice symptoms of joint pain or swelling- especially an abrupt onset- you should be evaluated by your primary care provider. They may recommend additional studies or referral for additional care or testing (rheumatology, PT, orthopedics). The diagnosis of any type of arthritis consists of a thorough history and physical exam. This may include lab work, X-ray, CT, or MRI based on your clinical symptoms and exam results.

Once diagnosed, what are my options?

Unfortunately, OA is not curable. However, therapy could help with pain control, slowing the disease progression and joint protection. Surgery is often an option for severe cases. Talk to your doctor about specific options that would be best for you.

What can I do at home?

Taking good care of your health in general is important. Pay attention to your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health every day.

Primary aspects of OA home therapy would include:

  • Staying active with daily exercise (often under the guidance of a trainer or therapist)
  • Losing excess weight
  • Maintaining your healthy body weight
  • Quit smoking

Depending on the type of arthritis, the following may also be helpful:

  • Creams
  • Heat/cold therapy
  • OTC pain medications 
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