Quick answer
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, where the smooth cartilage in joints gradually wears down, causing pain and stiffness. It often affects the knees, hips and hands. There is no cure, but staying active, managing weight and using treatments for pain can help you stay mobile and comfortable.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It develops when the smooth cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in a joint gradually breaks down, so the joint does not move as smoothly. This leads to pain and stiffness. It most often affects the knees, hips, hands and spine, and becomes more common with age.
Symptoms
The main symptoms are:
- joint pain, often worse with movement or at the end of the day
- stiffness, particularly after resting
- tenderness and mild swelling around the joint
- a grating or crackling sensation when the joint moves
- reduced flexibility
Symptoms can vary from day to day and tend to develop slowly over time.
What causes it
Osteoarthritis is linked to the gradual wearing of joint cartilage. Several things increase the risk, including older age, being overweight (which adds strain to joints), previous joint injuries or surgery, and a family history of the condition.
Treatment and self-help
Although there is no cure, a lot can be done to ease symptoms and protect mobility:
- Stay active — regular, suitable exercise strengthens supporting muscles and reduces pain.
- Manage your weight — losing excess weight reduces strain on the joints.
- Pain relief — a pharmacist or GP can advise on suitable options.
- Physiotherapy — can improve strength, movement and confidence.
When more is needed
For osteoarthritis that significantly affects daily life despite these measures, a GP can discuss further options, which may include referral to a specialist to consider treatments such as joint surgery.
Common questions
- What causes osteoarthritis?
- It develops as the protective cartilage in joints gradually breaks down over time. The risk is higher with age, being overweight, previous joint injury, and a family history. It is sometimes called "wear and tear", though it is more complex than that.
- What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
- The main symptoms are joint pain and stiffness, which are often worse after rest or at the end of the day. Affected joints may feel tender, look slightly swollen, or make a grating sensation when moved.
- Does exercise help or harm osteoarthritis?
- Suitable exercise generally helps. Keeping active strengthens the muscles supporting the joints, improves flexibility and reduces pain over time. A GP or physiotherapist can advise on the right kinds of activity for you.
- How is osteoarthritis treated?
- There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed with a combination of staying active, keeping to a healthy weight, pain relief, and physiotherapy. For severe osteoarthritis affecting daily life, a GP may discuss other options, including referral for assessment for joint surgery.