Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common form of arthritis that affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation..

Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones begins to break down. OA can affect any joint, but it typically impacts the knees, hips, hands, and spine. As a degenerative condition, its progression can lead to decreased mobility and quality of life.

You may have symptoms of pain and inflammation in your:

What Are the Signs/Symptoms?

Stiffness in your joints in the morning is a clue that you may have RA, as this is not common in other conditions. It may last one to two hours (or even the whole day) but generally improves with movement of the joints. Swelling and pain in the small joints of the hands and feet which have lasted for greater than 6 weeks can also be a sign of a persistent inflammatory disease. Diagnosing RA requires a physical exam, blood tests and scans like X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound. Once diagnosed, treatments for RA aim to lower inflammation, ease symptoms like pain or swelling, and prevent long-term joint damage.

What Are My Treatment Options?

While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, several treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life:

1. Lifestyle Modifications

• Weight Management: Reducing excess weight can significantly decrease stress on weight-bearing joints, particularly the knees and hips.
• Exercise: Low-impact activities like swimming, walking, and cycling can improve joint flexibility and reduce pain.
• Assistive Devices: Using supports, braces, or shoe inserts can help reduce strain on affected joints.

2. Medications

• Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Topical Creams: Creams containing capsaicin or menthol can provide localized relief.
• Corticosteroid Injections: These are sometimes used for more severe pain to reduce inflammation directly in the joint.
• Hyaluronic Acid Injections: These can help lubricate the joint, providing relief from pain and improving mobility.

3. Physical Therapy

• A physical therapist can teach exercises to improve joint function, strengthen muscles, and reduce pain.

4. Surgical Treatments

• Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive surgery that can remove damaged tissue or smooth rough cartilage.
• Joint Replacement: In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be necessary, particularly for hips, knees, or shoulders.