Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes joints to become painful and stiff.

It's

the most common type of arthritis in the UK.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis

The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are joint pain and stiffness. Some people also

experience swelling, tenderness and a grating or crackling sound when moving the

affected joints.

The severity of osteoarthritis symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, and

between different affected joints.

For some people, the symptoms can be mild and may come and go. Other people can

experience more continuous and severe problems which make it difficult to carry out

everyday activities.

Almost any joint can be affected by osteoarthritis, but the condition most often causes

problems in the knees, hips and small joints of the hands.

You should see your GP if you have persistent symptoms of osteoarthritis so they can

confirm the diagnosis and prescribe any necessary treatment.

Read more about the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

 Causes of osteoarthritis

As part of normal life, your joints are exposed to a constant low level of damage. In

most cases, your body repairs the damage itself and you don't experience any

symptoms.

But in osteoarthritis, the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones breaks down,

causing pain, swelling and problems moving the joint. Bony growths can develop,

and the area can become inflamed (red and swollen).

The exact cause isn't known, but several things are thought to increase your risk of

developing osteoarthritis, including:

 joint injury – overusing your joint when it hasn't had enough time to heal after an

injury or operation

 other conditions (secondary arthritis) – osteoarthritis can occur in joints severely

damaged by a previous or existing condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout

 age – your risk of developing the condition increases as you get older

 family history – osteoarthritis may run in families, although studies haven't identified

a single gene responsible

 obesity – being obese puts excess strain on your joints, particularly those that bear

most of your weight, such as your knees and hips

 Diagnosing osteoarthritis

To help determine whether you have osteoarthritis, your GP will first ask you about

your symptoms and examine your joints.

Your GP may suspect osteoarthritis if:

 you're aged 50 or older

 you have joint pain that gets worse the more you use your joints

 you have stiffness in your joints in the morning that lasts less than 30 minutes, or no

stiffness at all

If your symptoms are slightly different from those listed above, this may indicate

another joint condition. For example, prolonged joint stiffness in the morning can be

a sign of rheumatoid arthritis.

Further tests – such as X-rays or blood tests – aren't usually necessary, but may be

used to rule out other possible causes, such as rheumatoid arthritis or a fractured

bone.

Treating osteoarthritis
 Osteoarthritis is a long-term condition and can't be cured, but it doesn't necessarily

get any worse over time and it can sometimes gradually improve. A number of

treatments are also available to reduce the symptoms.

Mild symptoms can sometimes be managed with simple measures including:

 regular exercise

 losing weight if you're overweight

 wearing suitable footwear

 using special devices to reduce the strain on your joints during your everyday

activities

If your symptoms are more severe, you may need additional treatments such as

painkilling medication and a structured exercise plan carried out under the

supervision of a physiotherapist.

In a small number of cases, where the above treatments haven't helped or the damage

to the joints is particularly severe, surgery may be carried out to repair, strengthen or

replace a damaged joint.

Read more about treating osteoarthritis.

Living with osteoarthritis

As osteoarthritis is a long-term condition, it's important you receive support to help

you cope with any issues such as reduced mobility, and advice on any necessary

financial support.

Some people may find it helpful to talk to their GP or others who are living

with osteoarthritis, as there may be questions or worries you want to share.

Read about living with osteoarthritis.

Preventing osteoarthritis

It's not possible to prevent osteoarthritis altogether. However, you may be able to

minimise your risk of developing the condition by avoiding injury and staying as

healthy as possible.

Exercise

Avoid exercise that puts strain on your joints and forces them to bear an excessive

load, such as running and weight training. Instead, try exercises such as swimming

and cycling, where your joints are better supported and the strain on your joints is

more controlled.
Try to do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic

activity (such as cycling or fast walking) every week to build up your muscle strength

and keep yourself generally healthy.

Read about health and fitness – including tips on simple exercises you can do at

home.

Posture

It can also help to maintain good posture at all times and avoid staying in the same

position for too long.

If you work at a desk, make sure your chair is at the correct height, and take regular

breaks to move around.

Read about common posture mistakes and fixes.

Losing weight

Being overweight or obese can increase the strain on your joints and increase your

risk of developing osteoarthritis. If you're overweight, losing weight may help lower

your chances of developing the condition.