Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is commonly attributed to ageing. However, it is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors such as lifestyle factors and genetic susceptibility. It may also result from other causes or underlying diseases such as physical injury, calcium accumulation, septic arthritis and avascular necrosis.

It leads to the gradual erosion of cartilage in joints. Cartilage is the tissue that cushions your joints. If the cartilage breaks down, the bones start rubbing against one another, causing pain, stiffness, swelling and limited movement. The ligaments that connect muscle to bone may also become weaker as a result.

Osteoarthritis affects the cartilage in the joints. 

Signs and symptoms

Sometimes there are no symptoms, despite X-rays showing signs of osteoarthritis. When they occur, signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis vary from person to person, but commonly include:

• Joint stiffness, usually when you first wake up;
• Joint pain that often gets worse throughout the day when you are active, and;
• Muscle weakness.

Methods for diagnosis

A diagnosis of osteoarthritis can be suggested based on symptoms and physical examination findings, such as a crackling sound (crepitus), swelling, tenderness and/or a limited range of motion in joints. X-rays may show loss of joint space, worn-down bones and bone spurs. Ultrasound, bone scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may support the diagnosis if changes cannot be seen with an X-ray.

Sometimes, if there is fluid accumulation within a joint (effusion), a sample of the fluid can be extracted using a needle for further testing. This fluid can be helpful in distinguishing between certain types of arthritis, such osteoarthritis, infection and gout.

Types of treatment

Treatment cannot cure osteoarthritis, but it can slow its progress. Treatment options initially include losing weight if overweight, pain-relief medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, and regular, gentle exercise. It is also important to maintain a healthy diet.

With progressive symptoms, corticosteroid injections into the affected joint are sometimes used, especially during flare-ups to reduce inflammation. An occupational therapist may be able to provide mobility aids and strategies to assist with living with the condition.

Other therapies that may be considered, but have mixed results, include intra-articular hyaluronate injections, glucosamine and chondroitin, and colchicine. Hyaluronate injections are similar to joint fluid and are aimed at reducing friction between joints, and thus may alleviate pain. Glucosamine and chondroitin are chemicals naturally found in joint cartilage, however, daily supplements of these chemicals have not shown to reduce the progression of osteoarthritis. Furthermore, glucosamine should be avoided if you have a severe seafood allergy. Colchicine, a drug normally used in gout, has been shown to be effective for certain cases of osteoarthritis.

If other treatment options have been exhausted and your osteoarthritis is resulting in debilitating pain or disability, surgery may be required. Types of surgery include:

• Fusion - bones can be fused at the joint. This is done in cases of severely damaged joints for which replacement is not an option;
• Realignment - this fixes bones and other structures that have become misaligned;
• Joint replacement - damaged joints may need to be replaced to improve range of motion and quality of life, and;
• Cartilage grafting - new cartilage cells can be grafted into damaged areas of joints, only in cases where the damage is minor and the damaged area is surrounded by healthy cartilage.

Potential complications

Treatment side effects

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may cause stomach ulcers and bleeding, impaired kidney function, liver damage, and heart problems;
• Corticosteroid injections can damage joints if used too often, and;
• Surgery carries the risk of several complications, including infection, joint dislocation and blood clots.

Osteoarthritis progression

As osteoarthritis progresses, pain worsens and movement can become increasingly limited.

Prognosis

As osteoarthritis is a generally progressive disease, over time symptoms can become worse. Movement of affected joints may become more limited and everyday chores may become more challenging.

Prevention

Although it cannot be prevented, not overusing painful joints at work or during other activities can help delay the onset or slow the progression of osteoarthritis. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, performing strengthening exercises and keeping generally fit may also help slow the onset and progression of symptoms.