Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition where the cartilage breaks down, causing pain, swelling and difficulty moving in joints. It most frequently affects knee, hip, lower back and neck joints. Fingers, big toe and base of thumb may also be affected.

OA can occur in anyone at any age, but it is most common in people over age 65. Risk factors include obesity, previous joint injury, muscle weakness and genetics. Over time, OA can cause bones to break down and develop growths called spurs. Eventually, OA can wear down the cartilage until bone is rubbing against bone.

Symptoms

Depending on the severity of your condition, symptoms of osteoarthritis vary. Most commonly, patients experience pain, stiffness and swelling, especially after a period of rest or overuse. Other symptoms include:

Limited range of motion or stiffness that goes away after movement
Cracking sound and crunching sensation when a joint bends
Mild swelling around a joint

Treatments

There is no cure for OA, but your doctor can help you manage symptoms. Over-the-counter or prescription medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are available to help relieve pain and inflammation. Your doctor may recommend injections of costicosteroids or hyaluronic acid directly into the joint.

Physical and occupational therapists also can help manage OA symptoms. In fact, physical activity is one of the best ways to help relieve OA pain and control weight. Exercises that build strength in the muscles around the joints will help ease stress on those joints. Your doctor can help you develop an exercise program that is safe and beneficial for your specific condition.

If your joints are severely damaged, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair or replace them. Your recovery time will depend on a number of factors, including your age and the type of procedure your surgeon perform.

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