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Osteoarthritis (OA)

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

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

General

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.

1946 people with Osteoarthritis (OA)

Learn from others who are experiencing Osteoarthritis (OA).

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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)

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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