Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis in the UK. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions between bones wears down over time. Osteoarthritis has often been referred to as a “wear and tear” disease. The onset of OA is usually in middle age, and it is most prevalent in women over the age of 50.
Almost any joint can be affected by osteoarthritis, but the condition most often causes problems in the knees, hips, spine and small joints of the hands.
The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and sometimes stiffness in the affected joints. The pain tends to be worse when you move the joint or at the end of the day. The affected joint may sometimes be swollen.
The exact cause is not known, but several things are thought to increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis, including:
- Older age.The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age.
- Sex. Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis, though it isn’t clear why.
- Obesity. Carrying extra body weight contributes to osteoarthritis in several ways, and the more you weigh, the greater your risk. Increased weight adds stress to weight-bearing joints, such as your hips and knees.
- Joint injuries.Injuries, such as those that occur when playing sports or from an accident, can increase the risk of osteoarthritis. If your job or a sport you play places repetitive stress on a joint, that joint might eventually develop osteoarthritis. Even injuries that occurred many years ago and seemingly healed can increase your risk of osteoarthritis.
- Genetics. OA may run in families, although studies have not identified a single gene responsible.
- Secondary arthritis.OA can happen in joints severely damaged by a previous or existing condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.
Although there’s no blood test for osteoarthritis, certain tests can help rule out other causes of joint pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis. X-ray and MRI are not usually necessary but may be used to rule out other possible joint or bone problems.
Osteoarthritis can’t be reversed, but treatments can reduce pain and help you move better. It can be treated with medication, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.