Osteoarthritis
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, a condition characterised by cartilage failure from a number of causes with associated inflammation of a joint, which is where two bones meet. This inflammation is usually accompanied by pain, stiffness, swelling or tenderness in and around the joint.
People tend to think of osteoarthritis as a 'wear and tear' condition that occurs as a natural part of ageing, but it is caused by changes within the cells of the joint cartilage, which acts as a shock absorber for movement, cushioning the ends of bones where they meet to form a joint.
These cell changes in the cartilage result in a loss of elasticity. Over time, the cartilage becomes thinner and thinner, and may break down altogether. This leaves the ends of the bones rough and exposed, so the joint loses its smooth functioning, making movement painful and difficult. High impact activities may be a contributing factor for the development of osteoarthritis. Bony overgrowths, called osteophytes or spurs, may form and cause more pain.
Why do people get osteoarthritis?
There are more than 100 types of arthritis and anyone can be affected, even children. Arthritis is the major cause of pain and disability in Australia, and osteoarthritis is one of the most common types, affecting one in ten Australian adults.
Several factors increase your chances of developing osteoarthritis:
Age: Osteoarthritis usually develops between the ages of 45 and 90 years.
Being overweight or obese: Overweight people are 35% more likely to have osteoarthritis than people with a healthy weight.
Genes: Having certain gene types or arthritis in your family may increase your risk. Osteoarthritis of the hand may be particularly influenced by your genes.
Gender: Approximately 60% of people with osteoarthritis are women.
Injury: Previous joint injury increases the risk of osteoarthritis.
Joint abnormalities: You are more likely to have osteoarthritis prematurely if you have certain joint deformities from birth or childhood.
Lack of fitness: Weak muscles put greater stress on joints such as the knee.
Occupation: People involved in sports or who perform heavy, physical activities (such as miners, farmers, and some factory or construction workers) are more prone to osteoarthritis.
How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?
No single test reliably diagnoses all forms of arthritis, but your doctor will assess you thoroughly to help exclude other forms of arthritis, or to find out if your symptoms are due to another underlying disease.
This assessment might involve asking about your family and medical history, conducting a physical examination, taking x-rays as well as taking blood and joint fluid for testing.
Can osteoarthritis treated?
By making a few simple lifestyle changes, you can help keep your osteoarthritis under control and enjoy a healthy life.
- Enjoy a healthy diet. This will help you stay in the healthy weight range and avoid putting additional strain on your joints. If overweight, losing even 5 kg can make a large difference to your joint pain.
- Enjoy a combination of regular, gentle exercise and keep active. Walking, cycling, warm-water exercise and Tai Chi are particularly suitable.
- Protect your joints against overuse, by using splints.
- Treat injuries such as sprains promptly.
- Make sure you get enough rest and relaxation.
- Ensure you get effective pain relief if you need it.
- Use some mobility aids to help make everyday life easier.
See your doctor for the most appropriate treatment choices for your individual needs.
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