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	'''Osteoarthritis''' is a common long-term joint condition in which the tissues of a joint change over time. It can involve cartilage, bone, ligaments, tendons, muscles, the joint lining, and the surrounding tissues. It is often described as "wear and tear", but that phrase is too simple because inflammation, previous injury, body weight, genetics, age, and joint loading can all contribute.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, characterized by the degeneration and breakdown of joint cartilage. It typically affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine, as well as the hands and feet. Osteoarthritis commonly occurs in older adults but can also develop as a result of joint injuries or other factors.
	Osteoarthritis can affect almost any joint. It is common in the knees, hips, hands, spine, and feet. Symptoms vary widely. Some people have changes visible on X-ray with little pain, while others have pain and stiffness that affects work, sleep, walking, grip, or everyday tasks.

== Symptoms ==	== Symptoms ==
The primary symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
	Common symptoms include:

* Joint Pain: Persistent pain in the affected joint, which may worsen with activity.
* Stiffness: Joint stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity or rest.
* Decreased Range of Motion: Difficulty moving the affected joint through its full range of motion.
* Joint Swelling: Swelling and tenderness in the affected joint.
* Joint Instability: A sensation of joint instability or giving way.
	* Joint pain, often worse during or after use.
	* Stiffness, especially after rest.
	* Reduced movement.
	* Swelling or tenderness around the joint.
	* Grating, clicking, or crackling during movement.
	* Weakness in surrounding muscles.
	* Difficulty with daily activities, depending on the joint affected.

	Symptoms may come and go. Weather, activity level, sleep, injury, body weight, work demands, and other conditions can all affect how severe symptoms feel.

== Causes and Risk Factors ==	== Causes and Risk Factors ==
The exact cause of osteoarthritis is not fully understood, but several factors can contribute to its development, including:
	Osteoarthritis develops when repair processes in and around a joint cannot keep up with stress, injury, or tissue change. Risk factors include:

* Age: The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age, as joint cartilage naturally degenerates over time.
* Obesity: Excess weight puts additional stress on the joints, particularly the knees and hips.
* Joint Injuries: Previous joint injuries, such as fractures or ligament tears, can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.
* Genetics: Certain genetic traits can make individuals more prone to developing osteoarthritis.
* Occupation and Activity Level: Jobs or activities that involve repetitive joint movements or heavy lifting can contribute to osteoarthritis.
	* Older age.
	* Previous joint injury.
	* Repetitive heavy loading of a joint.
	* Obesity, especially for knee and hip osteoarthritis.
	* Family history or inherited joint shape.
	* Reduced muscle strength around the joint.
	* Some inflammatory, metabolic, or developmental conditions.

	The condition is not an inevitable part of ageing. Many older people do not have disabling osteoarthritis, and younger people can develop it after injury or unusual joint stress.

== Diagnosis ==	== Diagnosis ==
To diagnose osteoarthritis, healthcare professionals consider several factors:
	Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms, age, affected joints, medical history, and physical examination. X-rays may show joint-space narrowing, bone spurs, or changes in bone shape, but imaging is not always needed.

* Medical History: Discussion of the patient's symptoms, family history of arthritis, and any previous joint injuries.
* Physical Examination: Assessment of joint tenderness, range of motion, and joint stability.
* Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRI scans, or joint aspiration may be performed to assess joint damage and rule out other conditions.
	NICE guidance for adults advises against routinely using imaging for follow-up or to guide non-surgical management. Imaging may still be useful when symptoms are unusual, severe, changing quickly, or when another diagnosis needs to be considered.

== Treatment ==
While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, various treatment options aim to alleviate symptoms, improve joint function, and enhance quality of life:
	== Management ==
	Management aims to reduce pain, maintain movement, preserve strength, and support everyday function. It often combines several approaches:

* Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and corticosteroid injections may help manage pain and inflammation.
* Lifestyle Modifications: Weight management, regular exercise (including low-impact activities), and physical therapy can help strengthen muscles and reduce joint stress.
* Assistive Devices: The use of assistive devices, such as braces, canes, or shoe inserts, can support the affected joint and improve mobility.
* Surgery: In severe cases where conservative measures are insufficient, surgical interventions such as joint replacement or joint fusion may be considered.
	* Information about the condition and pacing activity.
	* Exercise to improve strength, mobility, and general fitness.
	* Weight management where excess weight is stressing joints.
	* Heat or cold packs for short-term symptom relief.
	* Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or aids where useful.
	* Pain relief medicines where benefits outweigh risks.
	* Joint injections in selected cases.
	* Surgery, including joint replacement, when symptoms are severe and other measures have not worked well enough.

== Prognosis ==
The progression and prognosis of osteoarthritis can vary widely among individuals. Some people may experience mild symptoms that do not significantly impact their daily activities, while others may face more severe joint damage and functional limitations. Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and lifestyle modifications can help manage symptoms and slow down the progression of the condition.
	Exercise is usually part of management even when joints are painful, but it may need to be adapted. Strengthening and low-impact aerobic activity are commonly used because stronger muscles can help support the joint.

	== Medication ==
	Medicines can reduce pain but do not reverse the underlying joint changes. Options may include topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, oral pain relief, or other medicines depending on the person and joint involved.

	Oral anti-inflammatory medicines can cause side effects, including stomach bleeding, kidney strain, raised blood pressure, and cardiovascular risk in some people. That is why age, other medicines, stomach history, kidney function, and heart risk matter when choosing treatment.

	== Outlook ==
	Osteoarthritis usually changes slowly. Some people remain stable for long periods. Others have worsening pain, loss of function, or joint deformity. The outcome depends on the joint, severity, activity, other health conditions, and access to suitable support.

	The condition can be frustrating because pain does not always match imaging results. Good management is practical: keep useful movement, reduce avoidable strain, build strength, and choose treatment based on the person's actual symptoms and goals.

== See Also ==	== See Also ==
	* [[Common_Medical_Terms]]
	* [[Pharmacology]]
	* [[Osteoporosis]]

* [[Rheumatoid Arthritis]] - Explore an autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic joint inflammation.
* [[Gout]] - Learn about a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints.
	== References ==
	* [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoarthritis/ NHS: Osteoarthritis]
	* [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoarthritis/treatment/ NHS: Osteoarthritis treatment and support]
	* [https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng226 NICE: Osteoarthritis in over 16s]
	* [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/osteoarthritis WHO: Osteoarthritis]
	* [https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoarthritis NIAMS: Osteoarthritis]

	[[Category:Medicine]]
	[[Category:Health]]