Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis in the UK, affecting around 10 million people. It's a degenerative condition where the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of bones gradually breaks down. Contrary to the old belief that it's simply 'wear and tear', we now understand OA is a complex condition involving the whole joint - cartilage, bone, ligaments, and surrounding tissue all play a role. While there's no cure, effective treatments can manage symptoms and maintain quality of life. This guide covers everything you need to know.

Osteoarthritis symptoms typically develop gradually. Joint pain during or after movement is the hallmark symptom. Stiffness, especially first thing in the morning or after sitting, usually lasting less than 30 minutes (longer stiffness may suggest rheumatoid arthritis). Tenderness when pressing on the joint. Reduced flexibility and range of motion. A grating or crackling sensation when moving the joint. Bone spurs - hard lumps around the affected joint. Mild swelling around the joint. Symptoms often worsen with activity and improve with rest. Many people also experience knee pain at night which can disturb sleep. Pain may be worse in cold or damp weather.

OA can affect any joint but most commonly impacts weight-bearing joints and those used frequently. Knees are the most common site - knee OA can make walking, climbing stairs, and daily activities difficult. Stairs often become particularly challenging with knee osteoarthritis. Hips are another frequently affected joint, causing groin or thigh pain. Hands, particularly finger joints and the base of the thumb, often showing visible bony enlargements. Spine, affecting the neck (cervical) and lower back (lumbar), sometimes causing nerve compression. While OA typically affects joints on one side more than the other, it can occur in multiple joints. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, which affects joints symmetrically.

Several factors contribute to developing osteoarthritis. Age is the biggest risk factor - OA is most common in those over 50, though it's not an inevitable part of ageing. Previous joint injuries, even those that healed well, increase risk years later. Obesity puts extra stress on weight-bearing joints and creates inflammatory chemicals affecting cartilage. Genetics play a role - OA can run in families. Women are more likely to develop OA after age 50, possibly linked to hormonal changes. Occupations involving repetitive joint stress increase risk. It's important to understand that osteoarthritis is different from osteoporosis, which affects bone density. Other joint conditions can also predispose to OA.

Diagnosis typically involves medical history review discussing your symptoms and how they affect daily life. Physical examination checking for tenderness, swelling, range of motion, and joint stability. X-rays can show cartilage loss, bone spurs, and joint space narrowing - though X-ray findings don't always match symptom severity. MRI scans provide more detailed images if needed. Blood tests don't diagnose OA but may rule out other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Early diagnosis helps with better management. If your symptoms suggest OA, seeing a specialist for proper assessment ensures you get the right diagnosis and treatment plan.

While there's no cure for osteoarthritis, many effective treatments manage symptoms. Lifestyle modifications: weight management reduces joint stress significantly, regular appropriate exercise maintains strength and flexibility. Low-impact activities like cycling can be excellent for knee OA. Physiotherapy strengthens supporting muscles and improves joint function. Medications: paracetamol for mild pain, NSAIDs for inflammation (oral or topical). Topical treatments like pain relief patches deliver medication directly to the affected area. Injections: corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation, hyaluronic acid injections may help some people. Surgery: for severe OA not responding to other treatments. Knee replacement surgery can be life-changing for advanced knee OA. Delaying surgery when it's needed can lead to worse outcomes. Treatment is tailored to each individual.

Self-management is key to living well with OA. Pace your activities - balance rest and movement. Use aids if helpful - walking sticks, jar openers, grab rails. Stay as active as possible within your limits - movement helps joints. Apply heat for stiffness, cold for inflammation. Maintain a healthy weight. Join support groups - sharing experiences helps. With the right approach, many people with osteoarthritis maintain active, fulfilling lives. Focus on what you can do, not limitations.

Self-Pay Health helps you find private orthopaedic consultants and rheumatologists quickly. Benefits of private consultation include rapid appointments (often within days), thorough assessments with adequate time, access to the latest treatments, and continuity of care with your chosen specialist. Don't wait in pain - early intervention typically leads to better outcomes. Use our search to find specialists near you who can provide expert diagnosis and personalised treatment plans for your osteoarthritis.