What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and can affect any joint in the body. Although often considered inevitable and a normal part of aging, we now know that osteoarthritis is a complex disease that is much more than just common "wear and tear" of a joint. It is a degenerative disease that affects surrounding bone, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, muscles, fat, and synovial tissues. It causes inflammation, which can then lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of mobility.
What increases my risk of osteoarthritis?
Everyone is at risk for developing osteoarthritis, but not everyone does. There are various factors that do increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis:
Genetics - A family history of osteoarthritis increases your risk.
Age - Risk of developing osteoarthritis increases with age, especially over 50 years.
Previous Joint Injury - Prior joint injury, like a fracture or ligament tear, increases risk for osteoarthritis later in life.
Overuse - Constant use of joints during repetitive activity increases risk.
Excess Weight - Excess body weight places more stress on joints, especially in the lower body.
Joint Position - Poor bony alignment of joints contributes to faster development of osteoarthritis.
Muscle Weakness - Without appropriate muscle strength, joints may lack necessary support, which can further contribute to poor alignment and bony changes.
Activity - Certain occupations and sports increase the risk for developing osteoarthritis.
What are symptoms of osteoarthritis?
Symptoms may include:
Pain, especially pain that is aggravated by activity or at the end of the day
Stiffness, which is most common in the morning or when changing positions and generally lasts less than 30 minutes
Swelling around the joint
Decreased range of motion
Crepitus, including sensations of grinding, creaking, cracking, crunching, and popping
Locking, buckling, or catching of the joint
Muscle atrophy surrounding the joint
Bony abnormalities
How do I know if I have osteoarthritis?
Your doctor can help determine if you have osteoarthritis.
When performing a physical exam, your doctor will look at how joints look, feel, and move. Joints affected by osteoarthritis may look and feel different. You may seen skin changes, muscle changes, bony changes, signs of inflammation like redness and swelling, and limited range of motion.
X-rays can confirm a diagnosis of osteoarthritis. They may show a loss of cartilage, bony growths, and narrowing of the joint space. MRIs may show inflammation or soft tissue changes surrounding the joint.
What should I do if I have osteoarthritis?
There is no cure for osteoarthritis but various treatments can help manage pain.
Pain Medications - Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter or prescription pain medicine. These may be oral medications taken by mouth or topical medications applied directly to the affected area.
Injections - Coricosteroid injections and hyaluronic acid injections can help decrease inflammation and in turn decrease pain.
Weight Loss - Weight loss reduces stress on joints, especially knees. Decreasing body weight by only 1 pound will decrease pressure on knees by 4 pounds.
Exercise - Research suggests aquatic, aerobic, and resistive exercises can alleviate pain related to osteoarthritis. Tai Chi and yoga are also beneficial.
Physical and Occupational Therapy - Your therapist may prescribe range of motion exercises to decrease stiffness or strength exercises to alleviate stress on joints. They may also instruct you in aerobic or balance exercises.
Rest - Balancing rest with activity can help prevent flares in pain.
Heat or Cold Therapy - Heat may provide relief for chronically stiff joints. Cold therapy may be helpful when joints are inflamed.
Braces, Orthotics, and Assistive Devices - Various devices can help position, unweight, and alleviate excessive strain on joints.
Psychosocial Support - A strong support system is beneficial in pain management.
Surgery - If conservative treatments are not successful, surgery may be an option. When osteoarthritis is severe, your surgeon may recommend a joint replacement or fusion.
Unsure what to do? Ask your physical therapist! The physical therapists at Indepth Physical Therapy are movement experts and specialize in chronic pain. Schedule your appointment today!
References
Gillett, Rebecca. "Functional Therapeutic Interventions for Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases: Strategies to Improve ADLs and Decrease Symptoms and Pain." Summit Education. Summit Education, June 2024.
"Osteoarthritis." Arthritis Foundation. https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/osteoarthritis
Bise, Christopher. "Physical Therapy Guide to Osteoarthritis." Choose PT, March 2024. https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-osteoarthritis
"Osteoarthritis." National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease, September 2023. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoarthritis#:~:text=Osteoarthritis%20is%20a%20degenerative%20joint,a%20short%20period%20of%20time
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