Could Your Joint Pain be Osteoarthritis?

Knee Xray

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive condition that affects the joints, where the protective cartilage on the ends of bones breaks down, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. It commonly occurs with the knees, hips, shoulders, and hands. 

Cartilage is a firm, slippery tissue that cushions the ends of bones and allows nearly frictionless joint motion. Osteoarthritis happens when this cartilage wears away. It is typically a gradual process, and if left unchecked, the cartilage can wear down completely, resulting in bone rubbing on bone.

Osteoarthritis doesn't only affect the cartilage. It also affects the entire joint. It causes changes in the bone and weakens the strong bands of tissue that hold the joint together and attach muscle to bone. It may also cause swelling of the joint lining.

Causes

It is caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, excess weight, joint injuries, and repetitive joint-loading tasks. 

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis symptoms often develop slowly and worsen over time.

Pain. Affected joints might hurt during or after movement.

Stiffness. Joint stiffness might be most noticeable upon awakening or after being inactive.

Tenderness. Joints might feel tender when you apply light pressure to or near them.

Loss of flexibility. You might not be able to move your joint through its full range of motion.

Grating sensation. You might feel a grating sensation when you use the joint, and you might hear popping or crackling.

Bone spurs. These extra bits of bone, which feel like hard lumps, can form around the affected joint.

Swelling. This might be caused by soft tissue inflammation around the joint.

Reduced motion: A decreased range of flexibility in the affected joint. 

Risk Factors 

There are a number of key factors that increase the risk.

Age: More common in people over 40.

Genetics: A family history of the condition.

Excess weight: Puts increased stress on joints like the knees and hips.

Joint injuries: Prior injuries such as fractures or dislocations.

Repetitive stress: Jobs or activities involving heavy lifting, squatting, or kneeling.

Management & Prevention

While there is no cure, management strategies focus on controlling symptoms, improving mobility, and enhancing quality of life.  

Healthy lifestyle: Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight can help manage OA. 

Reducing overuse: Avoiding repetitive or high-stress joint activities where possible. 

There is growing evidence that supports the efficacy of supplements, and research is ongoing. But like all supplements, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist first.

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Osteoarthritis of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint is a degenerative condition where the cartilage between the collarbone and shoulder blade wears down, causing pain on top of the shoulder. It is common in middle-aged individuals, often triggered by overuse, repetitive stress, or injury, and can cause sharp pain when moving the arm across the body.

Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic, painful joint disease caused by the wear and tear of joint cartilage, leading to symptoms like pain, stiffness, swelling, and crepitus. While there is no cure, treatments focus on managing symptoms and include non-pharmacological approaches like physical therapy and weight management, alongside pain-relieving medications and, in severe cases, surgical options.