Osteoarthritis: A Patient Guide

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disorder of the joints and is the most common cause of arthritis in adults. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), occurs because of “wear and tear” of the joints that is often related to increased stress on the joint or injury to the joint. However, in many cases, OA occurs simply in relation to aging. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage that protects the edges of our bones wears away and causes irritation of the underlying bone. As a result, moving the joint becomes more painful. Risk factors for OA include obesity, heredity, joint injury, and increased stress on the joint. Symptoms of OA include joint stiffness that improves with exercise, pain that worsens with use of the joint, and possibly joint enlargement. The knee is the most commonly affected joint in OA, but joints of the hands, feet, hips, and spine may also be involved. Treatment is largely aimed at relieving pain associated with OA. Initial treatments include weight loss, physical therapy and exercises, and joint braces. Therapeutic medications include acetaminophen, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, and topical medicines. Patients may receive steroid or viscous injections in a single joint for temporary relief. If these interventions are not helpful, a patient may be referred to an orthopaedic surgeon for further management and possible surgery.