Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis in Australia, affecting around 2.2 million people.¹

Developing gradually over time, OA can significantly affect your quality of life. Here, we explore the symptoms, causes and treatment options of OA.

Often thought of as a 'wear-and-tear' disease, osteoarthritis (OA) is the result of cartilage in your body becoming rougher and thinner over time.

The bone underneath makes up for this by thickening and growing outwards, creating outgrowths. This can make your joint appear knobbly and become inflamed.

Although there is no cure for OA, there are several treatments and self-help therapies that can ease your symptoms and increase your mobility and quality of life.

Some of the signs and symptoms of OA may include:

• stiffness
• reduced movement
• pain when you move
• swollen and unstable joints
• weakened muscles
• joints making sounds.²

OA affects different joints in your body. These commonly include your:

• hands, fingers and wrists. This can affect the base of your thumbs and the joints at the end of your fingers. Some joint pain and swelling may also occur in your wrists
• neck and back. This can occur anywhere along the bones in your spine, causing pain and numbness anywhere in the top, middle or lower parts of your back and even your legs
• feet. OA commonly affects the joint at the base of the big toe. You may also develop some pain in your ankle if you have had a past injury near the joint
• knee. This can be especially painful at the front and sides of the knee joint. If your OA is severe, your knees may become bent and bowed. Sometimes your knee joint may lock, making it hard to bend
• hip. Pain may occur in the front of your groin. OA can also affect the side and front of your thigh or around to the outside of your buttocks. Stiff joints may make it difficult to turn your hip when walking or exercising.

The exact causes of OA aren’t fully understood. However, certain things may increase your risk. These include:

• increasing age
• being female
• being overweight or obese
• having a family history of OA
• having a profession where you overuse your joints
• having a previous joint injury.²

After examining your symptoms and risk factors, your doctor may check any affected joints and look for bony outgrowths, swelling, creaking, instability and reduced joint movement.

Your doctor may then order tests to determine the type of arthritis you possibly have.

Depending on your symptoms and level of pain, a mix of lifestyle and self-care changes usually provides the best results for treating OA. However, medication may be required.

Common OA treatments include:

Regular physical activity can strengthen the muscles around your affected joint. Activities might include walking, swimming, strength-based exercises or stretching. However, it may be important to stop physical activities that damage the joint.

If you’re overweight or obese, managing and maintaining your weight can reduce the strain on your knees.

If you have OA, it’s important to discuss the exercise and weight management options that are right for you with your doctor, physiotherapist, occupational therapist and/or exercise physiologist.

Specialised techniques can help strengthen the muscles around your joints, increase flexibility and reduce pain. Some common physical therapy treatments include:

• heat therapy
• hydrotherapy (also known as ‘aquatic therapy’)
• acupuncture
• tai chi.

Specialised techniques can help strengthen the muscles around your joints, increase flexibility and reduce pain. Some common physical therapy treatments include:

• heat therapy
• hydrotherapy (also known as ‘aquatic therapy’)
• acupuncture
• tai chi.

If you’re living with OA, certain mobility aids can help you reduce and manage your symptoms. These include walking sticks, knee braces and foot insoles.

If OA is interfering with everyday activities like turning on taps or preparing food, your doctor may refer you to an occupational therapist. They may recommend tools like ergonomic utensils or reaching aids.

Although medication can't cure OA, it may help relieve symptoms. Common medicines include:

• paracetamol
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• corticosteroid injections
• duloxetine
• opioids (for severe pain).

Before taking any medication, it’s important to talk to your doctor about which option might be right for you.

If you have severe OA that can’t be effectively treated with other therapies, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure, such as a hip replacement or knee replacement.

Surgery usually carries risks and may not be suitable for everyone. Talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits.

Arthritis Australia offers support and advice for living with arthritis. Visit their website or call them on 1800 011 041.

Pain Australia works towards improving the quality of life for those living with pain. Visit their website for resources and support, including their National Pain Services Directory.