What is happening in OA?

In most joints a special kind of tough smooth tissue called cartilage covers the surface of the bones where the bones meet. In OA there is damage to the cartilage and the bone tissue next to the cartilage.

Who gets OA?

Osteoarthritis is increasingly common with age. Most cases develop in people over 50. X-rays show that more than 50% of people over the age of 65 have OA in one or more joints but many of these people have only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. About 1 in 10 people over 65 have significant symptoms from OA.

Which joints are affected in OA?

The most commonly affected joints are the hips, knees, thumb joints, finger joints, big toe joints, neck and lower spine. Shoulders, elbows, wrists and ankles are less often affected. OA in the neck and lower spine is often called spondylosis. In most patients with OA just a few joints cause symptoms but in some patients OA can affect many joints.

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

• Pain, stiffness and limited movement of the joint are the commonest symptoms of OA. The pain is often worse after using the joint. The stiffness is usually worse after inactivity, for instance first thing in the morning or after sitting awhile. It usually “loosens up” quite quickly on moving around.
• Especially in osteoarthritic knees there is sometimes a creaking or cracking feeling or sound on moving the joint.
• Osteoarthritic joints often appear slightly enlarged owing to overgrowth of the bone next to the damaged cartilage. Sometimes there is swelling due to excess fluid within the joint.
• Joint deformity may occur but severe deformity is uncommon.
• There may be no symptoms at all – sometimes OA is noticed when X-rays are taken for other reasons

What is the outlook for patients with OA?

OA does not always get worse and worse. A bad spell of symptoms may be followed by a relatively good period. Symptoms often wax and wane. Some people feel that their joint symptoms improve in warmer weather.

The severity of symptoms varies. In many older people, OA is mild and does not become worse; whilst it may be a nuisance it may not cause significant difficulties. However, in some cases, OA causes severe pain and disability. One or more joints may become particularly badly affected.

What can I do to help myself?

Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis there is a lot which can be done to help symptoms and help reduce the likelihood of things getting worse. It is helpful for patients to get to know about OA and its treatments so that they can take the lead in looking after their arthritis. Doctors, nurses and therapists are there for guidance.

The ARC booklet contains a lot of information about things you can to help yourself such as reducing stress on joints and taking appropriate exercise. There is also information on using medication, physiotherapy and surgery.

Follow the link to “Osteoarthitis support groups” to find out more about self-management programmes.

For more information about all aspects of OA follow the link to the ARC booklet on osteoarthritis.

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