Osteoarthritis Explained: Symptoms, Causes, and What You Can Do

What is Osteoarthritis?

Etymology
Osteo - from Latin osteo (“bone”)

arthr - from Latin arthr (“joint”),

itis - from Greek - itis (“inflammation”)

Osteoarthritis is a kind of inflammatory arthritis. Historically, it was believed to be a disease of ‘wear and tear’, caused by long-term over-use of the joints. This made sense, because it is often a disease that only develops in older people. However, WHO data suggests around 30% of people with osteoarthritis are under the age of 55, so it can affect younger people as well. Although its name has the word ‘osteo’ (bone) in it, the inflammation mainly occurs in the cartilage covering a bone surface, and its attached synovial cavity. However, eventually the disease will end up distorting or changing the shape of the bone that is affected.

Signs & Symptoms

We usually expect to see

• Pain in the affected joint

• Joint stiffness – usually worst in the morning, or after long inactivity

• Bone enlargement and swelling – this occurs gradually over time

What Joints are Affected?

Classically, we think of osteoarthritis affecting big joints, most commonly the knees but also the hips, lower back, and shoulders. However, it can affect many other joints, including the little joints in your fingers.

How is it Diagnosed?

Osteoarthritis is usually a clinical diagnosis (ie, it is diagnosed based on a patient's history and physical examination). However, affected joints can be visibly affected when scanned under an X-ray. In some cases, doctors do ask for additional blood tests, to test for other types of arthritis and other issues that may develop with osteoarthritis.

How is it Treated?

Osteoarthritis is considered a progressive condition; this means that over time it is expected to gradually worsen or deteriorate, but in some cases it can remain stable. There are no known treatments that can predictably reverse the progression of osteoarthritis. Treatment priorities are

• Keep the joints as functional as possible, for as long as possible

• Manage pain as effectively as possible, to keep patients functional

This is achieved by a combination of medicated treatments, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and treatment of other conditions that can worsen or occur with osteoarthritis. In some cases as the disease progresses, surgery can be helpful to reduce pain and improve the joint’s function.