Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis which affects joints in the body. What are the causes and what can be done to prevent this joint-related condition from getting worse?

6 minute read

“Arthritis” is an umbrella term for pain and swelling in the joints. There are many different types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis is by far the most common and affects around 10 million people in the UK.

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body but is most common in the knees, hips, and the small joints of the hands. The condition normally affects people over the age of 40, though it can affect younger people, particularly those who have had a previous joint injury or surgery.

So, let’s look at what osteoarthritis is, some symptoms and causes of osteoarthritis, and how the condition is treated.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that covers the joints, thins, and breaks down. This causes bone to rub against bone, resulting in inflammation, pain, swelling, and reduced movement. As the cartilage breaks down, the body tries to repair the damage, which can lead to further problems such as:

• The lining of the joint capsule (the synovium) producing excess fluid, causing swelling in the joint.

• The surrounding tissues stretching, making the joint less stable.

• The formation of bony growths called osteophytes on the edges of the joint. These can rub against surrounding tissues and may make movement difficult.

Osteoarthritis symptoms

The symptoms of osteoarthritis affect the joints and may vary from mild to severe. You may have some or all of the below symptoms:

• Pain, as with many join-related conditions

• Stiffness

• Swelling

• Difficulty moving the affected joint

• Tenderness

• Grating or crackling when you move the affected joint

What causes osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, also known as “wear and tear arthritis”, or degenerative arthritis, has long been put down to wear and tear on our joints as we age. It is now understood that osteoarthritis develops due to a number of factors, such as:

• Age - osteoarthritis gets more common as we age and usually affects people over the age of 40.

• Gender - osteoarthritis in certain joints such as the hands, hips and knees is more common in women. This is similar to other joint-related conditions, such as fibromyalgia.

• Genetic factors - some types of osteoarthritis, such as osteoarthritis in the hand, knee, or hip, are more likely in people with certain genes.

• Obesity - Being overweight puts a lot of stress on the joints, especially weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees, and increases the risk of osteoarthritis.

• Joint abnormalities - people with joint abnormalities are more likely to develop osteoarthritis, and the condition may start earlier and be more severe.

• Joint injury - joint injury or surgery can lead to osteoarthritis in the affected joint later in life.

• Joint disease - other joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and gout can damage the joints and lead to osteoarthritis.

• Weather - though the weather doesn’t cause osteoarthritis, some types of weather, or changes in the weather may make symptoms worse. Many people find their symptoms get worse in cold, humid, or wet weather.  

• Diet - like the weather, diet doesn’t cause arthritis, but some people find their symptoms may be improved or made worse by certain foods.

How to treat osteoarthritis

There is currently no cure for osteoarthritis, but the condition can be managed in several ways. These include:

• Lifestyle changes

• Medication

• Physiotherapy

• Supplements

• Surgery

Lifestyle changes

Making some changes to your lifestyle and improving your overall health can help to improve symptoms and may prevent your arthritis from getting worse. These include:

• Regular exercise - many people with osteoarthritis avoid exercise because it may cause pain, but a combination of exercise to build muscle strength and improve flexibility and range of motion are essential to prevent joint stiffness and maintain mobility. Try these exercises from Versus Arthritis or see a physiotherapist for advice on suitable exercises.

• Lose weight if needed and maintain a healthy weight - being overweight increases pressure on your joints and can make your osteoarthritis worse.

Medication

Medication for osteoarthritis aims to relieve pain and inflammation in your joints and may include over-the-counter medications, or stronger medicines prescribed by your GP. Medications for osteoarthritis may include:

• Painkillers like paracetamol

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are available as a topical cream or gel that you apply to the skin, or as an oral medication

• Capsaicin is a topical treatment that may be used to treat osteoarthritis in the hands and knees when topical NSAIDs haven’t worked

• Opioids like codeine are stronger painkillers that are only available on prescription

• Steroid injections work by reducing inflammation in your joint and can relieve pain for several weeks or months

• Hyaluronic acid injections - hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring fluid in your joints that acts as a lubricant and shock absorber. Hyaluronic acid injections aren’t currently covered by the NHS, but are available privately.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy exercises can relieve pain and reduce the need for medication by building muscle strength and improving flexibility and range of motion. Physiotherapy treatments may also include hydrotherapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), acupuncture, manual therapy, and advice on assistive devices such as shoe insoles, splints, braces, and walking aids.

Supplements

Many people claim supplements help to improve their osteoarthritis symptoms, but there is currently little scientific evidence that they work. Some supplements that may be beneficial to people with osteoarthritis include:

• Glucosamine - glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance found in ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. Research suggests it may help reduce osteoarthritis pain, especially in knee osteoarthritis.

• Fish oils - fish and fish liver oils contain omega-3 and are beneficial for our overall health. Fish oils are known to improve symptoms of inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and may help with osteoarthritis. However, there is limited evidence for this.

• Chondroitin - chondroitin is another substance that our bodies produce naturally. Research is limited, but some animal studies have suggested chondroitin may help to slow the breakdown of cartilage.

Surgery

If your joint damage is severe, you may need surgery to replace all or part of your joint. During joint replacement surgery, your diseased joint is removed and replaced with a partial or total synthetic joint (a prosthesis).

Can osteoarthritis be prevented?

It may not be possible to prevent osteoarthritis completely, but there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk, including:

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Following a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet

• Exercising regularly

• Protecting your joints from injury by;

  • Warming up and cooling down properly before and after exercise

  • Increasing your activity level gradually when starting a new sport or exercise

  • Using the correct equipment for the activity

  • Maintaining the correct posture and technique for the activity

  • Wearing the proper shoes that provide shock absorption and stability

  • Building strength in the muscles surrounding your joints

  • Landing with your knees bent when jumping

  • Avoiding running on hard or irregular surfaces

  • Getting any joint injuries treated immediately

Is osteoarthritis a disability?

Whether your osteoarthritis is classed as a disability in the UK depends on your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. If you are unable to work due to your symptoms, or need help with activities like washing, dressing and cooking, you may be entitled to some disability benefits You may also be entitled to a blue badge that allows you to park in a disabled parking space.

Conclusion

Osteoarthritis is a common condition that can cause long-term pain. It can make it difficult to move around and carry out daily activities. However, there are a range of treatments for osteoarthritis, from simple lifestyle changes and medication to therapies and surgery.

If you have symptoms of osteoarthritis, speak to your GP to find the best course of treatment for you.

For further information, advice, and support on living with osteoarthritis contact:

• Versus Arthritis UK

• AgeUK