Overview
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually breaks down over time, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced joint movement. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint but most commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. While it cannot be reversed, symptoms can be effectively managed.
Causes and risk factors
The following factors are associated with the development of Osteoarthritis:
- Ageing and cumulative joint use
- Being overweight — extra pressure on joints
- Previous joint injuries
- Joint overuse through repetitive movements
- Genetic predisposition
- Gender — more common in women after 50
- Bone deformities and joint alignment problems
- Certain metabolic diseases
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of Osteoarthritis include:
- Joint pain during or after movement
- Joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest
- Loss of flexibility and range of motion
- Grating sensation or sound (crepitus) in joint
- Tenderness when pressing on joint
- Bone spurs (extra bits of bone around the joint)
- Swelling around affected joint
- Muscle weakness around affected joint
Diagnosis
Osteoarthritis is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and appropriate investigations such as blood tests, imaging, or specialist review, depending on the specific condition and presentation. Your doctor will consider all relevant symptoms and risk factors before making a diagnosis.
Treatment options
Treatment approaches for Osteoarthritis may include:
- Regular low-impact exercise: swimming, cycling, walking
- Weight management to reduce joint load
- Physical therapy and strength building
- Paracetamol and NSAIDs for pain relief
- Topical NSAIDs or capsaicin cream
- Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid joint injections
- Hot and cold therapy
- Assistive devices: walking aids, braces
- Joint replacement surgery for severe cases
Prevention
Maintain healthy weight, exercise regularly to strengthen muscles around joints, avoid repetitive injury, and protect joints during sports and work.
Complications
If left untreated or poorly managed, Osteoarthritis can lead to complications including:
Significant disability, inability to work, falls and fractures, depression, and sleep disturbance.
Sources and references: This article is written in accordance with NHS UK, WHO, and Mayo Clinic clinical guidelines. It is reviewed for accuracy by the SymptomSense content team. ICD-10 code: M19. Last reviewed June 2026.