What is Osteoarthritis (OA)?
OA is a chronic condition that causes the cartilage in joints to break down, resulting in pain, stiffness and swelling. A degenerative disease that worsens over time, affecting a person’s ability to move freely.
Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint, the disorder most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine.
What Causes OA?
OA occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time. Eventually, if the cartilage wears down completely, bone will rub on bone.
Osteoarthritis has often been referred to as a wear and tear disease. But besides the breakdown of cartilage, osteoarthritis affects the entire joint. It causes changes in the bone and deterioration of the connective tissues that hold the joint together and attach muscle to bone. It also causes inflammation of the joint lining.
(https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351925)
What are the Symptoms of OA?
- pain during or after activity
- stiffness upon wakening or inactivity
- swelling due to inflammation of soft tissue around the joint
- tenderness when touching the joint
- loss of flexibility
- grating sensation, popping or crackling in joint
- bone spurs
How is OA Diagnosed?
A physical examination, history of symptoms, imaging are used to diagnose OA. Blood tests may also be ordered to rule out other forms of arthritis.
How is OA Managed?
There is no cure for OA. Treatments can control the symptoms of OA. Management involves the following:
- weight loss program
- tailored exercise focussed on ability to exercise and severity of OA
- pain management
- devices such as splints, walking aids, shoe insoles
- joint replacement surgery if other therapies do not control symptoms
Want to Learn More About OA?
OA Fact Sheet https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/4042-AA-Info-Sheet-Osteoarthritis-AA005-0124-ISS1.pdf
MyOA Website https://myoa.org.au/
