Overview
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that develops as the cartilage cushioning the ends of bones gradually breaks down, affecting the entire joint, including the bone, ligaments, and surrounding tissue.
Disease Summary
- Category
- Non-Communicable Disease
- Cause
- Progressive breakdown of joint cartilage and changes in the surrounding bone and tissue
- Transmission
- Not applicable; osteoarthritis is a non-communicable joint disease and cannot be spread between people
- Body System
- Musculoskeletal System
- Preventable
- Yes
- Curable
- No
Symptoms
Common Symptoms
Osteoarthritis symptoms usually develop gradually and worsen over time.
Joint Pain
Pain that occurs during or after movement and often worsens with activity.
Stiffness
Most noticeable after waking up or after a period of inactivity.
Swelling
Mild swelling around the affected joint may develop over time.
Reduced Range of Motion
Difficulty moving the joint through its full normal range.
Danger Signs
Seek prompt medical attention if any of the following develop, since they may indicate a different or more serious condition.
Hot, Red, Swollen Joint with Fever
May indicate joint infection (septic arthritis) rather than osteoarthritis and requires urgent care.
Joint Locking or Giving Way
A joint that suddenly locks or feels unstable may indicate a loose fragment or ligament problem.
Severe Pain After an Injury
New severe pain following a fall or injury may indicate a fracture rather than osteoarthritis.
Numbness or Weakness
Numbness, tingling, or weakness near an affected joint should be assessed, as it may indicate nerve involvement.
Diagnosis
Clinical Assessment
Diagnosis is largely based on symptoms, joint examination, and a review of pain patterns and function.
Imaging
X-rays can show joint space narrowing, bone spurs, and other changes typical of osteoarthritis.
Exclusion of Other Conditions
Blood tests may be used to rule out other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.
Laboratory Tests
X-ray Imaging
Shows narrowing of the joint space, bone spurs, and other structural changes associated with osteoarthritis.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
Helps rule out inflammatory forms of arthritis, since ESR is typically normal in osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Test
Used to help distinguish osteoarthritis from rheumatoid arthritis.
Joint Fluid Analysis
Can help rule out infection or gout when the diagnosis is uncertain.
Treatment
Physical Activity and Weight Management
Regular joint-friendly exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are core treatments that reduce pain and improve function.
Pain-relieving Medication
Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications help manage symptoms.
Prevention
Maintain a healthy weight
Carrying less body weight reduces stress on weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips.
Stay physically active
Regular low-impact exercise strengthens the muscles that support joints and helps maintain flexibility.
Protect joints from injury
Using proper technique during sports and physical activity helps prevent joint injuries that increase future osteoarthritis risk.
Avoid repetitive joint stress
Reducing repeated strain on a single joint, especially in physically demanding work, can lower long-term risk.
Risk Factors
High Risk
These factors substantially increase the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis.
- Older age
- Previous joint injury
- Obesity
Increased Risk
These factors are associated with a moderately higher risk of osteoarthritis.
- Family history of osteoarthritis
- Jobs or sports involving repetitive joint stress
- Joint deformities present from birth
Additional Contributing Factors
Other factors linked with an increased likelihood of osteoarthritis.
- Female sex, particularly after menopause
- Muscle weakness around a joint
- Certain metabolic conditions
Complications
Reduced Mobility
Progressive joint damage can make walking, climbing stairs, or other daily activities increasingly difficult.
Chronic Pain
Ongoing joint pain can affect sleep, mood, and overall quality of life.
Joint Deformity
Advanced osteoarthritis can change the shape or alignment of a joint over time.
When to Seek Medical Care
Persistent Joint Pain
Pain that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter medication should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Sudden Increase in Swelling
A joint that becomes suddenly more swollen or warm may need urgent assessment.
Loss of Joint Function
Difficulty using a joint for everyday tasks is a sign that treatment may need to be adjusted.
Fever with Joint Pain
Fever combined with joint pain and swelling could indicate infection and requires prompt medical attention.
Prognosis
Chronic but Manageable
Osteoarthritis is a long-term condition, but most people manage their symptoms well with lifestyle changes and treatment.
Gradual Progression
Joint damage typically worsens slowly over years rather than suddenly.
Improved Function After Joint Replacement
For severe cases, joint replacement surgery often significantly improves pain and mobility.
Differential Diagnosis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
An autoimmune form of arthritis that typically causes symmetrical joint swelling and morning stiffness lasting longer than an hour.
Gout
A form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals, often presenting with sudden, severe pain, most classically in the big toe.
Septic Arthritis
A joint infection that causes fever, warmth, and severe pain, requiring urgent treatment to prevent joint damage.
Bursitis
Inflammation of the fluid-filled sac near a joint, which can cause localized pain and swelling similar to osteoarthritis.
References
World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO fact sheet on the global burden, causes, and management of osteoarthritis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC guidance on arthritis types, including osteoarthritis, risk factors, and self-management strategies.
Mayo Clinic
Patient-focused overview of osteoarthritis symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can osteoarthritis be cured?
No. There is currently no cure, but symptoms can be effectively managed with lifestyle changes, medication, and in some cases surgery.
Is osteoarthritis the same as rheumatoid arthritis?
No. Osteoarthritis results from wear on joint cartilage, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that attacks the joints.
Does osteoarthritis only affect older adults?
No. While it is more common with age, younger people with previous joint injuries can also develop osteoarthritis.
Can exercise make osteoarthritis worse?
Generally no. Joint-friendly physical activity usually improves pain and function rather than worsening it, though a healthcare provider can help tailor an appropriate routine.