Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with this condition or suspect you might have it, this guide will help you understand what’s happening in your joints and how it might affect your daily life.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful condition involving the deterioration of a joint. Unlike some other forms of arthritis that are primarily inflammatory, osteoarthritis begins with the breakdown of cartilage—the smooth, protective tissue that cushions the ends of your bones where they meet to form joints.
Think of cartilage as a shock absorber for your joints. When you walk, run, or move, cartilage helps distribute the force evenly and allows for nearly frictionless movement. In osteoarthritis, this cartilage gradually wears down over time.
As the disease progresses, it affects not just the cartilage but the entire joint, including:
- The underlying bone, which may develop growths called bone spurs (osteophytes)
- The joint lining, which can become inflamed
- The ligaments and tendons around the joint, which may weaken
- The muscles that support the joint, which can lose strength
Eventually, if the cartilage wears away completely, bone rubs directly against bone, causing pain, stiffness, and further damage.
Which Joints Are Most Commonly Affected?
Osteoarthritis can potentially affect any joint in your body, but it most commonly occurs in:
- Knees
- Hips
- Hands, particularly the base of the thumb
- Spine, both in the neck (cervical) and lower back (lumbar)
- Feet, especially the big toe joint
- Ankles
It’s possible to have osteoarthritis in just one joint, but many people experience it in multiple joints, especially as they age.
What Causes Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis develops when the process of natural breakdown and repair of joint tissues becomes unbalanced. While aging is a significant factor, osteoarthritis is not simply an inevitable part of getting older.
Several factors can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis:
Primary Risk Factors
- Age: The risk increases with age, with most people showing some signs of osteoarthritis in at least one joint by age 70.
- Sex: Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men, especially after age 50.
- Genetics: If your parents or siblings have osteoarthritis, you’re more likely to develop it too.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts additional stress on weight-bearing joints like knees and hips. Fat tissue also produces proteins that can cause harmful inflammation in and around joints.
Secondary Risk Factors
- Joint injuries: Previous joint damage from sports, accidents, or occupational injuries increases risk.
- Repetitive joint stress: Jobs or activities that place repetitive stress on specific joints can lead to osteoarthritis.
- Bone deformities: People born with malformed joints or defective cartilage face higher risk.
- Metabolic diseases: Conditions like diabetes and hemochromatosis (too much iron in the body) can contribute to osteoarthritis.
What Are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis symptoms typically develop slowly and worsen over time. You might experience:
- Pain during or after movement of the affected joint
- Stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity like waking up in the morning or sitting for extended periods
- Tenderness when light pressure is applied to or near the joint
- Loss of flexibility and reduced range of motion
- Grating sensation when using the joint, sometimes with popping or crackling sounds (crepitus)
- Bone spursthat feel like hard lumps around the affected joint
- Swelling caused by soft tissue inflammation around the joint
It’s important to note that the severity of symptoms doesn’t always match what’s visible on X-rays or other imaging. Some people with significant joint damage on X-rays have minimal pain, while others with normal-looking X-rays may experience severe pain.
How Is Osteoarthritis Different from Other Types of Arthritis?
The main difference between osteoarthritis and other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, is the underlying cause:
- Osteoarthritis is primarily a mechanical issue—wear and tear on the joint cartilage.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joint lining.
Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis:
- Is not typically associated with significant swelling, redness, or warmth in the joints
- Does not cause fever or unexplained weight loss
- Usually affects joints asymmetrically (though it can affect both sides)
- Does not typically affect organs beyond the joints
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you’re experiencing persistent joint pain or stiffness that doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relievers, it’s time to consult a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and potentially slow the progression of joint damage.
Seek medical attention if you notice:
- Joint pain that persists for more than a few weeks
- Joint stiffness that doesn’t improve with movement
- Reduced range of motion in a joint
- Inability to perform everyday activities due to joint pain
Living with Osteoarthritis
While there’s no cure for osteoarthritis, the condition can be managed effectively with proper treatment. Many people with osteoarthritis lead active, fulfilling lives by working with healthcare providers to develop a comprehensive management plan.
In future posts, we’ll explore diagnosis methods, treatment options, lifestyle modifications, and coping strategies to help you live well with osteoarthritis.
Remember, understanding your condition is the first step toward taking control of your health and improving your quality of life.