What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) affects cartilage, bone and other tissues within a joint. It commonly affects the knees, hips and hands and can cause pain, stiffness and loss of function. Symptoms and X-ray changes do not always match exactly.
OA is different from rheumatoid arthritis, which is an inflammatory autoimmune disease. An accurate diagnosis matters because the treatments can differ.
Common symptoms
Symptoms may develop gradually or fluctuate. Possible signs include:
- Pain with movement or activity, sometimes settling with rest.
- Stiffness after waking or sitting still.
- Trouble climbing stairs, walking, gripping objects or bending the joint.
- Reduced range of motion, creaking sensations or intermittent swelling.
Many conditions besides osteoarthritis can cause these symptoms; an examination helps establish the cause.
Diagnosis and investigations
A clinician reviews the history and examines the affected joint. X-rays may help in selected cases. MRI is not necessary for every patient; blood tests may instead be used to investigate inflammatory or other causes of joint pain.
A suddenly hot, markedly swollen joint—especially with fever or feeling unwell—needs urgent assessment to exclude infection.
Treatment usually begins without surgery
Individual care often includes exercise, strengthening, physiotherapy, modifying activity and weight management when relevant. A clinician may suggest topical or oral medicines after reviewing other health conditions and potential risks.
For substantial disability despite appropriate nonsurgical care, an orthopaedic surgeon may consider procedures such as joint replacement. Surgery is not automatically needed in osteoarthritis.
See senior rheumatologist vs orthopaedic surgeon for help understanding which specialty does what.
Frequently asked questions
Does knee pain always mean osteoarthritis?
No. Injury, gout, inflammatory arthritis and other conditions can also cause knee pain.
Is an operation necessary?
Not for everyone. Most patients begin with nonsurgical management, and procedures are considered on an individual basis.
Can a senior rheumatologist assess osteoarthritis?
Yes. Senior Rheumatologists can assess joint symptoms and help distinguish OA from inflammatory conditions.
Sources and editorial review status
Medical background information is available from these specialist and public-health organizations:
This page is general patient education and has not yet been individually medically reviewed or approved by Dr O P Garg. It does not replace clinical assessment, diagnosis or personal treatment advice.