Osteoarthritis

19 December 2024

Find out the causes, symptoms and effective strategies to help manage effects of the most common of joint diseases and improve your quality of life.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide.

It’s a degenerative joint disease that causes the breakdown of the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of your bones in the joints.

This breakdown leads to friction in the joint, resulting in pain, stiffness, and difficulty with movement.

OA can affect any joint, but it most commonly affects the hands, knees, hips, lower back, and neck.

Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis there are ways to effectively manage the pain and live a fulfilling life.

Causes

While the exact cause of OA is unknown, several factors can contribute to its development:

Age: Osteoarthritis is more common as we age, due to natural wear and tear on the joints.
Previous joint injury: Injuries like fractures, ligament tears, or meniscus damage can increase your risk of developing OA in that joint later in life.
Overuse: Repetitive stress on a joint from certain occupations or sports can accelerate cartilage breakdown.
Obesity: Excess weight puts extra strain on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips, accelerating OA development.
Genetics: Having a family history of OA increases your risk.
Joint abnormalities: Some people are born with joint malformations that predispose them to OA.
Certain occupations: Jobs that involve repetitive movements or heavy lifting can increase your risk.

Symptoms

OA symptoms can develop gradually over time and may vary from person to person. Some common symptoms include:

Joint pain: This is the most common symptom, often described as a dull ache or stiffness, especially after activity or prolonged sitting.
Joint stiffness: This is particularly noticeable in the mornings or after periods of inactivity. Stiffness often improves with movement.
Reduced range of motion: The ability to move the joint through its full range of motion may become limited.
Joint swelling: Some joints may appear swollen due to inflammation or fluid buildup.
Grating or crackling sensation: A grinding or crackling sensation may be felt or heard during movement, caused by bone rubbing against bone.
Joint tenderness: The joint may be tender to the touch.

Diagnosing Osteoarthritis

When you attend your GP appointment you will likely be asked about your symptoms, medical history, and family history. They may perform a physical exam to assess your range of motion, joint tenderness, and swelling. Xrays will help to further evaluate the health of your joints and degree of disease.

Living With Osteoarthritis

Although there’s no cure for osteoarthritis, there are effective strategies to manage pain, improve joint function, and maintain mobility. Here’s a look at some approaches:

Non-medicinal treatments

Weight management: Losing weight, if overweight or obese, can significantly reduce stress on weight-bearing joints and improve OA symptoms.
Exercise: Regular physical activity strengthens muscles around the joints, improves flexibility, and helps maintain a healthy weight. Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and yoga are particularly beneficial.
Physical therapy: A physical therapist can design a personalized exercise program to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. They can also teach you proper joint alignment and movement techniques.
Heat and cold therapy: Applying heat or cold packs to sore joints can help relieve pain and inflammation.
Assistive devices: Using canes, walkers, or braces can help reduce stress on your joints and improve mobility.

Medications

Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage mild to moderate pain.
Prescription pain relievers: In some cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medication.
Topical pain relievers: Creams, gels, or patches applied directly to the joint can provide localized pain relief.

Other Considerations

Joint injections: Corticosteroid injections can provide temporary pain relief in some cases.
Joint replacement surgery: In severe cases where pain and disability significantly impact your life, joint replacement surgery may be an option.

Living a Fulfilling Life with Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can be a frustrating condition, but it doesn’t have to control your life. By adopting a proactive approach and working with our GP and expert phyisotherapy team, you can effectively manage your OA, maintain mobility, and live a full and active life.

Arranging To Visit A Private GP

To discuss any issues related to osteoarthritis make an appointment with one of our private GPs. Appointments are available to everyone and can often be booked for the same day. There is no need to be registered with our Buckinghamshire hospital, or live locally.

Should you have insurance which covers a GP visit, we can in most cases invoice. Where you are paying directly, the cost for a 30 minute consultation is £125.

Any additional costs will always be discussed. They could apply if you are referred for an MRI scan, or to a consultant, or for other agreed decisions to support your health.

Our Resident Private GP

Dr Chamali is welcoming and highly experienced. He offers his patients sound diagnosis and treatment, along with individual care focused on their future health.