Osteoarthritis

If you've ever felt persistent joint pain or stiffness without a clear cause, you might be curious about what's happening internally. These sensations often signal osteoarthritis (OA), a common form of arthritis impacting various joints in your body.

Osteoarthritis is common, affecting the joints of millions of people every day. Although it can affect any joint, it frequently manifests in the hands, hips, knees and spine.

While there is no cure, and you can’t reverse the condition, treatment can help slow the progression of osteoarthritis, provide symptom relief and improve joint functionality.

Osteoarthritis risk factors

Your likelihood of developing osteoarthritis can be influenced by various factors, including:

• Age: As you age, the risk of osteoarthritis tends to increase.
• Bone or joint deformities: Individuals born with malformed joints or defective cartilage may have increased chances of getting osteoarthritis.
• Genetics: Osteoarthritis often runs in families, suggesting a genetic risk to the condition.
• Injuries: Sports-related injuries or accidents affecting any joint can elevate the risk of osteoarthritis, regardless of when they occur.
• Metabolic disease: Conditions like diabetes and excess iron can heighten the risk of osteoarthritis.
• Obesity: Excess body weight exerts additional pressure on weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.
• Repetitive stress: Certain occupations or sports cause repetitive stress on joints. Over time, this stress can contribute to osteoarthritis development.
• Gender: Women are more prone to osteoarthritis compared to men.

What are 5 symptoms of osteoarthritis?

The primary osteoarthritis symptoms include:

• Decreased range of motion: Difficulty moving affected joints as freely as before, notably in knees, hips, and other commonly affected areas.
• Cracking sound: Audible crackling or crunching noises when moving joints, indicating roughened cartilage rubbing against bone.
• Joint pain: Often most noticeable during movement, ranging from mild discomfort to sharp, stabbing sensations.
• Joint stiffness: Particularly prominent after periods of inactivity like prolonged sitting or upon waking from sleep.
• Swelling: Inflammation in the joints exacerbates discomfort and impedes movement.

Osteoarthritis typically progresses slowly, with symptoms worsening gradually over time. However, the rate of progression varies among individuals.

Some may experience deterioration spanning several years, while others may encounter a swifter decline, especially if significant joint damage, obesity or specific genetic factors are present.

If you're encountering any of these symptoms, it's advisable to schedule a consultation with an orthopedic specialist at Advocate Health Care.

Diagnosing osteoarthritis

Your provider will conduct a comprehensive examination and review your osteoarthritis symptoms alongside your medical history to make an accurate diagnosis. During the physical exam, they will observe your joint movement, assess range of motion and stability and evaluate reflexes.

Following the physical examination, your provider may order digital imaging tests to gather additional insights into joint functionality. These tests include:

• X-rays: These images capture bone structure to assess for signs of bones rubbing or the presence of bone spurs.
• CT scans: Utilizing X-rays from various angles, this test generates images of both soft tissue and bone.
• MRI: This scan provides detailed images of bones and soft tissue, including cartilage that may exhibit signs of arthritis-related damage.

Additionally, your doctor may conduct a blood test to differentiate osteoarthritis from other conditions impacting joint health, such as rheumatoid arthritis, a form of arthritis that is caused by your immune system attacking your joints.

Osteoarthritis treatment

Treatment for osteoarthritis aims to manage pain and slow disease progression, as joint damage cannot be reversed and no cure currently exists. Common treatment options include:

• Alternative therapies: Some people find relief through alternative treatments like acupuncture, massage therapy or dietary supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin.
• Assistive devices: Braces, splints or orthotic shoe inserts stabilize joints and alleviate pain during daily activities. Canes or walkers offer additional stability and support for those having trouble walking.
• Injections: Corticosteroids injected directly into affected joints reduce inflammation and pain, while hyaluronic acid injections provide lubrication and cushioning.
• Joint replacement surgery: When other treatments fail to provide relief, joint replacement surgery may be considered to repair or replace damaged joint tissue, enhancing mobility and function.
• Osteoarthritis medications: Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Stronger pain medications or topical treatments like creams may be prescribed in some cases.
• Physical therapy: Collaborating with a physical therapist can enhance mobility and alleviate symptoms. They can devise a tailored exercise regimen to strengthen muscles around affected joints, improve flexibility and reduce pain.
• Weight management: Shedding excess weight alleviates stress on joints. Your doctor or a nutritionist can assist in devising a plan for healthy eating and exercise to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Since effectiveness varies among individuals, close collaboration with your healthcare team is crucial to identify the most suitable osteoarthritis treatments for you.