Osteoarthritis
A whole-joint condition involving changes in cartilage, bone and other structures. Common features are pain and reduced function.
About the condition
A whole-joint condition involving changes in cartilage, bone and other structures. Common features are pain and reduced function.
OA affects the whole joint: cartilage, bone and surrounding tissues. It is not merely inevitable wear; symptoms and function can improve.
Symptoms
Pain is usually related to activity; brief stiffness and restricted movement may occur. Knees, hips and hands are commonly affected.
Pain is often activity-related and stiffness after rest usually brief. Crepitus, bony finger enlargement and restricted movement can occur.
Diagnosis
Symptoms and examination are central; radiographs are not always needed. Tests help exclude other causes when the presentation is atypical.
Typical symptoms and examination often suffice. X-rays are used when needed; structural severity does not always match pain.
Treatment
Exercise, load and weight management, and pain relief when needed are tailored. Severe functional limitation may warrant orthopaedic assessment and surgery.
Exercise, muscle strengthening and excess-weight reduction are central. Topical or systemic analgesia depends on risk; severe functional loss may warrant surgery.
Monitoring
Pain, walking and daily function are followed. A suddenly hot swollen joint or fever should not automatically be attributed to osteoarthritis.
Assess walking, daily activity and exercise tolerance. Sudden redness, warmth and marked swelling require evaluation for another cause.
Sources
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