Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common inflammatory joint disorder characterised by structural changes within a joint or multiple joints, resulting in pain and loss of function. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and frequently affects hands, knees, hips, and spine. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, and treatments generally aim to reduce load (losing weight to remove stress from joints), improve joint support, and relieve pain.
Overview
What is Osteoarthritis?
Symptoms
What are the signs of Osteoarthritis?
Common symptoms associated with osteoarthritis include:
Localised joint pain worsened by movement and improved with rest
Morning stiffness or stiffness after inactivity
Joint swelling
Warmth around the joints
Bony crepitus
Synovial fluid build up
Limited range of motion
Muscle wastage
Causes
What are the causes of Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is caused by the loss of protective cartilage in joints. Common risk factors associated with osteoarthritis include:
Advanced age
Gender - females have a higher risk than males
Obesity
Intense wear-and-tear of joints (high-impact sports, physical labour)
Joint trauma
Family history
Diagnosis
How do I know if I have Osteoarthritis?
To diagnose osteoarthritis, your doctor is likely to ask you about your medical and family history and perform a physical exam assessing range of motion of joints. In some cases your doctor may refer for imaging such as MRI scan.