Understanding Osteoarthritis (OA): Causes, Symptoms, and Management

What is it?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis (joint inflammation). Some people call it degenerative joint disease or ״wear and tear״ arthritis. With osteoarthritis, the cartilage within a joint begins to break down and the underlying bone begins to change. These changes usually develop slowly and get worse over time. In some cases, it also causes reduced function and disability.

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Additional names

This group contains additional names:
- Degenerative joint disease
- Secondary Osteoarthrosis of Shoulder
- Osteoarthrosis of ankle and foot
- Secondary Osteoarthrosis of Pelvic and Thigh
- Osteoarthrosis of leg
- Secondary Osteoarthrosis of Arm
- Secondary Osteoarthrosis of Leg
- Osteoarthrosis of arm
- Osteoarthrosis of pelvic and thigh
- Osteoarthrosis of shoulder
- Secondary Osteoarthrosis of Ankle and Foot

Signs & symptoms

Osteoarthritis causes pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints. It can cause decreasing in range of motion (or flexibility). The main joints that are affected by osteoarthritis are the hands, hips, and knees. Osteoarthritis does not affect non-articular body systems.

Diagnosis

A doctor diagnoses osteoarthritis through a review of symptoms, physical examination, X-rays (OA has typical appearance on X-ray), and lab tests (used to rule out other rheumatic diagnoses).

Treatment

There is no cure for OA, so doctors usually treat OA symptoms with a combination of therapies, which may include the following:
- Increasing physical activity
-Physical therapy with muscle strengthening exercises
- Weight loss
- Medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription drugs
- Supportive devices such as crutches or canes
- Surgery (if other treatment options have not been effective)

☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.

Learn more about our editorial process for content accuracy.

Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:

National Institution of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ University of Illinois hospital