The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) is known as “wear and tear” arthritis, most often affecting the knees, hips, and hands, although it can affect any joint. It is more likely to affect you as you age, with 82.7% of adults over 65 in rural South Africa living with it.
OA is caused by the breakdown of cartilage in a joint. Cartilage is the connective tissue that cushions our bones and keeps them from rubbing against one another when our joints move. When someone develops OA, it affects the entire joint. Not only does cartilage break down, the structure of the bone changes, and the tissue that holds muscle and bone together wears away.
The signs of OA appear slowly and worsen over time. They include:
If you’re experiencing joint pain or stiffness that isn’t resolving, it’s important to seek medical attention. It may be a sign of OA. If you’re diagnosed with OA, your doctor will want to sit down with you and come up with a treatment plan.
The primary cause of OA is the breakdown of cartilage in a joint.
There are a number of risk factors that contribute to the likelihood of developing OA, including:
OA is typically diagnosed when someone goes to their primary care provider complaining of pain in their knees, hips, or hands. A physician will check the areas bothering someone for signs of OA, including limited mobility, swelling, and tenderness.
In order to make a definitive diagnosis, a doctor will request imaging of the affected joint or joints. An X-ray is most likely to be done first, followed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) if a better picture of the joint or joints is needed.
Complications can arise from OA, including chronic pain, inability to sleep through the night, difficulty performing daily tasks of living, and depression.
While people with OA often take medication to manage the pain, there are other treatments that can help with or without medication. These include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). TENS is a newer therapy that sends tiny electrical currents to the joint for short-term pain relief.
Surgical bone realignment and joint replacement are also options. However, these invasive treatments are usually a last resort for patients who have exhausted all other avenues. Regular physical activity, weight loss, and low-impact activities are also recommended ways to manage OA.