What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a long-term joint condition that gradually wears down the cartilage, the smooth, protective tissue at the ends of bones, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced movement. Often described as a "wear-and-tear" disease, it's the most common type of arthritis and typically affects people in their 50s and beyond. However, younger adults, especially those with a history of joint injuries, can also develop it.

What Happens in Osteoarthritis?

In a healthy joint, cartilage acts like a cushion and lubricant, allowing bones to glide over each other smoothly. In osteoarthritis, this cartilage breaks down over time. As it wears away, bones begin to rub directly against each other, leading to discomfort, swelling, and in some cases, changes in joint shape. While OA used to be considered a problem limited to cartilage, we now understand it's a disease that affects the entire joint, including the bone, ligaments, fat, and the synovium (joint lining).

Which Joints Are Most Commonly Affected?

Osteoarthritis can develop in almost any joint, but it tends to affect certain areas more often:

• Hands (particularly the fingertips and the base of the thumb)
• Knees
• Hips
• Neck (cervical spine)
• Lower back (lumbar spine)

What Does It Feel Like?

People with osteoarthritis often experience:

• Joint pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
• Stiffness, especially after resting or in the morning
• Swelling or tenderness around the joint
• Loss of flexibility or difficulty moving the joint fully
• A grating sensation during movement

The severity varies widely, some people manage mild symptoms that hardly interfere with daily life, while others may face chronic pain and disability. For some, OA progresses slowly over many years; for others, especially after an injury like a torn ACL, it can develop rapidly.

Who Is at Risk?

While aging is a major risk factor, osteoarthritis isn't a guaranteed part of growing older. Other risk factors include:

• Previous joint injuries
• Repetitive joint stress (due to work or sports)
• Obesity
• Genetics
• Gender (women are more likely to develop OA)
• Bone deformities or structural joint issues

Treatment options

While there’s currently no cure for osteoarthritis (OA), there are many effective ways to manage the symptoms, reduce pain, and maintain your mobility and quality of life. Your healthcare provider will work with you to create a personalized plan that fits your needs, lifestyle, and the severity of your condition.

Let’s explore the different treatment approaches, ranging from simple at-home care to advanced medical procedures.

1. Medications to Relieve Pain and Inflammation

Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following:

• Over-the-Counter (OTC) Pain Relievers

These medications can help ease mild to moderate pain. It's important to follow the recommended dosage to avoid liver damage.

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

They help reduce inflammation and pain but may cause side effects like stomach upset, heart issues, or kidney problems if used long-term.

• Topical NSAIDs

Creams or gels applied directly over the affected joint may relieve pain with fewer side effects compared to oral NSAIDs.

• Prescription Medications

If pain persists, your doctor might suggest stronger NSAIDs or medications to treat chronic OA pain.

2. Physical and Occupational Therapy

• Physical Therapy

A physical therapist can guide you through gentle, joint-friendly exercises that strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce stiffness. Activities like swimming, cycling, and walking can be highly beneficial.

• Occupational Therapy

An occupational therapist helps you adapt daily tasks to reduce strain on painful joints, such as using tools with larger grips or installing safety aids like shower benches.

• TENS Therapy (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)

This technique uses mild electrical currents to reduce pain, especially in the knees and hips. It provides short-term relief for some people.

3. Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care

• Exercise

Staying active is one of the best ways to manage OA. Low-impact workouts like water aerobics, yoga, or tai chi keep joints moving and muscles strong.

• Weight Management

Losing excess weight can significantly reduce pressure on weight-bearing joints like the hips, knees, and lower back.

• Activity Modification

Switching from high-impact to low-impact activities, adjusting your work setup, and taking breaks can help prevent flare-ups.

• Heat and Cold Therapy

Applying a heating pad or ice pack to painful joints may ease discomfort and reduce swelling. Your doctor can guide you on how and when to use these therapies.

4. Assistive Devices and Support

Supportive tools can make a big difference in your day-to-day life:

• Braces or splints to stabilize joints
• Shoe inserts for better foot and leg alignment
• Canes, walkers, or crutches to offload weight from painful joints and improve mobility

5. Complementary Therapies

Some people find additional relief through:

• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Meditation and relaxation techniques
• Supplements (Consult your doctor before using any supplement, as they are not regulated by the FDA.)

6. Injection-Based Treatments

• Corticosteroid Injections

These powerful anti-inflammatory shots can offer short-term pain relief, especially for knee or hip OA, but aren’t suitable for frequent use as they may damage cartilage over time.

• Hyaluronic Acid Injections

These injections act as joint lubricants, particularly in the knees. However, their effectiveness may vary from person to person.

7. Surgical Options (When Other Treatments Don’t Work)

If non-surgical treatments no longer provide relief, your doctor may consider surgical options based on your age, lifestyle, and how advanced your OA is:

• Arthroscopy

A minimally invasive procedure where a surgeon removes loose bone fragments, cartilage, or inflamed tissue from the joint.

• Osteotomy

Realigns bones in the joint to reduce pressure on the damaged area—often used for knee OA.

• Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis)

Involves fusing bones to eliminate joint movement. It’s typically used for joints in the spine, fingers, or feet.

• Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty)

The damaged joint surfaces are replaced with artificial components (metal, ceramic, or plastic). This is most commonly done for hips and knees and can significantly restore mobility and reduce pain. Like any surgery, it carries risks such as infection or the need for future revision.

Living with osteoarthritis can be challenging, but with the right care and support, it’s possible to manage the condition and maintain a fulfilling, active lifestyle. Early diagnosis, a personalized treatment plan, and consistent follow-up are essential to slowing its progression and reducing pain.

At Apex Hospitals, we are committed to helping you every step of the way. Our experienced team of experts offers comprehensive, compassionate care tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're exploring non-surgical therapies or considering advanced surgical options, Apex Hospitals provides state-of-the-art facilities and a patient-first approach to help you regain comfort, mobility, and confidence in your daily life.

Your journey to better joint health starts here, with the care you can trust at Apex Hospitals.