Osteoarthritis

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a condition that makes your joints hurt and feel stiff. It's the most common type of joint problem in the UK. Think of your joints like door hinges - normally they move smoothly, but with osteoarthritis, they become stiffer and more painful to move.

What are the signs?

The main signs of osteoarthritis are:

• Joint pain and stiffness
• Trouble moving the joint properly
• Swelling around the joint
• Tenderness when you touch the area
• A grating or crackling sound when you move the joint

These symptoms can be different for everyone. Some people have mild pain that comes and goes. Others have constant pain that makes everyday tasks difficult.

The joints most often affected are your knees, hips, and the small joints in your hands.

What causes it?

Your joints get small amounts of damage throughout your life - this is normal. Usually, your body fixes this damage without you noticing. But with osteoarthritis, the smooth covering on the ends of your bones (called cartilage) starts to break down. This causes pain, swelling, and problems moving.

You're more likely to develop osteoarthritis if you:

• Have injured a joint before
• Are over 45 years old
• Have family members with the condition
• Are overweight
• Are a woman
• Have other joint conditions like gout

When should you see your GP?

Speak to your GP if you have joint pain and stiffness that won't go away. This is especially important if the pain gets worse when you use the joint more.

Your GP might think you have osteoarthritis if you're over 45, your joints hurt more when you use them, and any morning stiffness goes away quickly (within 30 minutes).

Your GP usually won't need special tests like X-rays or blood tests to diagnose osteoarthritis, but they might do them to rule out other conditions.

How is it treated?

Osteoarthritis is a long-term condition that can't be cured, but it doesn't always get worse over time. There are many ways to help with the symptoms:

For mild symptoms:

• Regular gentle exercise
• Losing weight if you need to
• Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes
• Using special tools to make daily tasks easier

For more severe symptoms:

• Pain relief medicines
• Working with a physiotherapist on exercises
• In rare cases, surgery to repair or replace the joint

Can you prevent it?

You can't completely prevent osteoarthritis, but you can lower your risk by:

• Avoiding joint injuries
• Staying at a healthy weight
• Doing regular exercise (aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity like brisk walking each week)
• Maintaining good posture
• Taking regular breaks if you work at a desk

Living with osteoarthritis

Having osteoarthritis means learning to manage a long-term condition. Your GP can help connect you with support services and advice about financial help if you need it. Many people find it helpful to talk to others who also have osteoarthritis.

Remember, speak to your GP if you're worried about joint pain or stiffness that isn't getting better.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.