Osteoarthritis: Understanding the Wear and Tear of Our Joints

By Dr. Priya Sammani ( MBBS, DFM )

Ravi, a retired teacher in his late 50s, visited my clinic one morning, walking carefully with the aid of a cane. His wife accompanied him, looking worried. “Doctor Priya, his knee pain has been getting worse. We thought it was just old age, but now he struggles to get out of bed or even climb a few stairs,” she explained.

Ravi nodded, sighing deeply. “I used to be very active. Now, even a short walk feels like a marathon. Is this just aging, or is it something more?”

I smiled gently, understanding his frustration. Ravi, it sounds like osteoarthritis. It’s a common condition that affects many people as they grow older. But don’t worry, there are ways to manage it and improve your quality of life. Let’s take a closer look at what osteoarthritis is and how we can help you feel better.”

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a form of degenerative joint disease that occurs due to the body’s natural aging process, resulting from wear and tear on the joints. The smooth cartilage covering the ends of bones gradually wears away, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

This condition is often referred to as a “wear-and-tear” disease, but it’s not limited to aging. Osteoarthritis can also develop from previous joint injuries, repetitive stress, or genetic predisposition.

Ravi looked intrigued as I explained. “So, it’s not just getting old? There’s more to it?”

I nodded. “Exactly. While aging is a factor, other elements like lifestyle, body weight, and joint health play significant roles in the onset of osteoarthritis.”

How Does Osteoarthritis Begin?

The most common reason for cartilage loss is wear and tear due to aging. However, many people with osteoarthritis have never noticed joint problems before. This condition can develop slowly over the years without obvious symptoms until it progresses to a more advanced stage.

In Ravi’s case, his history of playing football in his youth and his job as a teacher, which involved standing for long hours, likely contributed to the wear on his knee joints.

Other common factors include:

  • Previous injuries: Sports injuries or accidents can increase the risk.
  • Repetitive joint stress: Occupations or activities that involve repetitive joint movement.
  • Genetics: Family history of osteoarthritis.
  • Obesity: Excess body weight puts additional stress on joints, especially the knees.

Research Insight: A study published in the Journal of Rheumatology found that individuals with a history of joint injuries are at a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis, particularly in weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips.

Who is Prone to Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis doesn’t discriminate, but certain factors increase the likelihood of developing the condition:

  • Age: The risk increases with age, particularly after the age of 50.
  • Gender: Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis, especially after menopause.
  • Obesity: Excess weight puts additional pressure on joints, increasing wear and tear.
  • Genetic predisposition: Family history can play a role in developing osteoarthritis.
  • Joint injuries: Previous injuries from sports or accidents.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, women are more likely than men to develop osteoarthritis due to hormonal differences and changes that occur during menopause.

What are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis?

The severity of symptoms can vary from person to person, but the most common signs of osteoarthritis include:

  • Joint pain and stiffness: Especially after prolonged inactivity or rest.
  • Swelling and tenderness: The affected joint may feel swollen or tender to touch.
  • Reduced range of motion: Difficulty moving the joint normally.
  • Grating sensation: A feeling of bone rubbing on bone.
  • Bone spurs: Extra bits of bone may form around the affected joint.

Ravi shared, “Some days, I hear a crunching sound in my knee. It’s worse in the mornings.”

I explained, “That’s a typical sign of osteoarthritis. The protective cartilage has worn down, leading to that grating sensation.”

How Serious is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is seldom life-threatening but can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. It doesn’t cause the crippling deformities seen in other forms of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, but it can limit mobility and make daily activities challenging.

If left unmanaged, osteoarthritis can lead to reduced independence, especially in older adults, increasing the risk of falls and injuries.

A report in the British Medical Journal highlights that early intervention in osteoarthritis can help maintain mobility and reduce the risk of disability in older adults.

What is the Treatment for Osteoarthritis?

While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Here’s what I discussed with Ravi:

1. Diet and Weight Management

Keeping weight down can reduce unnecessary stress on joints. Maintaining a balanced diet with anti-inflammatory foods can also help alleviate symptoms.

2. Exercise

Regular, gentle exercise like walking, swimming, or cycling can help maintain joint flexibility and reduce stiffness. However, it’s important to avoid high-impact activities that can worsen joint damage.

3. Heat and Cold Therapy

Applying heat can help relieve stiffness, while cold packs can reduce swelling and pain.

4. Medication

  • Paracetamol: Often recommended for mild pain.
  • Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Such as ibuprofen, can help manage inflammation and pain.
  • Glucosamine and Chondroitin: Some people find supplements helpful, though the evidence is mixed.

5. Physiotherapy

A physiotherapist can help with exercises to strengthen the muscles around the joint, improving mobility and reducing pain.

6. Joint Injections

In cases of severe pain, corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation. However, they aren’t a long-term solution and need to be used sparingly.

7. Surgery

For advanced osteoarthritis, joint replacement surgery may be recommended. Knee and hip replacements are among the most common procedures and have a high success rate.

A study in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery found that knee replacement surgeries have a success rate of over 90%, significantly improving patients’ quality of life.

Special Equipment to Support Daily Life

Using special equipment can make daily tasks easier for those with osteoarthritis. Items like shoe inserts, walking sticks, or frames can provide additional support and reduce joint strain.

Ravi’s wife asked, “Would a knee brace help?”

I nodded. “Yes, a knee brace can provide stability and support. It’s especially helpful during physical activity.”

FAQs About Osteoarthritis

  1. Is osteoarthritis the same as rheumatoid arthritis?

    No, osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease caused by wear and tear, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation.

  2. Can osteoarthritis be prevented?

    While it can’t be entirely prevented, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and avoiding joint injuries can reduce the risk.

  3. What is the best exercise for osteoarthritis?

    Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and cycling are ideal. These exercises help maintain joint flexibility without causing additional strain.

  4. Are supplements like glucosamine effective?

    The effectiveness varies from person to person. Some people report relief, while others don’t notice a difference. It’s best to consult a doctor before starting any supplements.

  5. When is surgery necessary for osteoarthritis?

    Surgery is usually considered when other treatments fail to provide relief and when the condition significantly impacts quality of life.

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