Understanding Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What is Osteoarthritis (OA) ?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis and occurs when the cartilage in joints breaks down, causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving. It usually affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. [1] Worldwide, about 528 million people have OA in the year 2019, with about 60% of them being women. [2] In the United States, about 53 million adults have some form of arthritis, making it a major cause of disability in older people. [3]

Types of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can be classified into two types depending on the cause.

1. Primary osteoarthritis

It is the most common type of OA. It develops over time. It is believed to be caused due to wear and tear of the joint throughout your life. There is no predisposing trauma or disease in primary osteoarthritis.

2. Secondary osteoarthritis

This type of osteoarthritis occurs due to a preexisting joint disease. Predisposing conditions include congenital joint disorders, inflammatory arthritis, osteoporosis, metabolic disorders like hemochromatosis, injury, and trauma.

Causes and Risk Factors of Osteoarthritis

Although the exact cause of osteoarthritis is not yet known, certain risk factors increase your risk of developing it:

• Aging: As people age, the cartilage that cushions joints naturally deteriorates, leading to OA. [4]
• Gender: The cases of hip, knee, and hand OA are found to be higher in women than men, and the incidence of the condition increases around menopause. This has been attributed to the effect of decreasing levels of hormones in women. [4]
• Joint injuries: Injuries from sports, accidents, or repetitive stress can damage the cartilage and increase the risk of OA. Among all the joints, the knee is one of the most commonly injured joints. Thus, the prevalence of OA is also higher among women. [4]
• Obesity: Obesity that is defined by a body mass index of more than 30kg/m2 is strongly associated with knee OA. Excess body weight adds extra stress to weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips, accelerating cartilage breakdown. [4]
• Genetics: A family history of OA can increase an individual’s risk, suggesting a genetic predisposition. It accounts for 60% of hand and hip OA, while it is the cause of 40% of cases of knee OA. [4]
• Bone deformities: Some people are born with malformed joints, such as varus or valgus deformities or defective cartilage, which can lead to OA.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

OA symptoms can vary in severity and often develop gradually. Common symptoms include:

1. Joint pain

Pain in the affected joints during or after movement is a hallmark of osteoarthritis. This pain often worsens with activity and may improve with rest but can eventually become constant as the disease progresses. [5]

2. Stiffness

You may notice joint stiffness, especially upon waking up in the morning or after periods of inactivity, such as sitting for a long time. This stiffness typically eases within 30 minutes of movement but can recur throughout the day. [6]

3. Loss of flexibility

Reduced range of motion is common, making it difficult for you to move the joint fully. This loss of flexibility can interfere with simple movements like bending, reaching, or grasping objects. [7]

4. Grating sensation

You may feel a grating or hear a crackling sound (crepitus) when moving the joint. This occurs due to the rough surfaces of the cartilage and bone rubbing against each other. [7]

5. Bone spurs

Extra bits of bone, known as osteophytes or bone spurs, can form around the affected joint. These spurs can cause additional pain and limit joint movement. [6,7]

6. Swelling

You may see occasional swelling around the joint due to inflammation. This swelling can cause further discomfort and stiffness, and it may fluctuate depending on activity levels and other factors. [7]

Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis

Diagnosis of OA is primarily done with the help of presenting symptoms and imaging. Some of the diagnostic modalities for OA are:

Imaging tests for osteoarthritis

• X-rays: X-rays are commonly used to diagnose OA. They can reveal joint space narrowing, the presence of bone spurs, and other changes in the bone structure that are indicative of OA. [8]
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI is not routinely performed for OA, but it helps by providing more detailed images of the joint’s soft tissues, including cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. It is particularly useful in early OA detection and in cases where the diagnosis is uncertain or more complex. [8,9]

Laboratory tests for osteoarthritis

• Blood tests: While there are no specific blood tests for OA, they can help rule out other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout, which can present similar symptoms. Inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate can also be used in severe cases, though OA is not related to systemic inflammation. [10]
• Joint fluid analysis: In some cases, your doctor may extract a sample of synovial fluid from the affected joint using a needle. Analyzing this fluid can help exclude other inflammatory joint conditions, such as infection or gout. [11,12]

Treatment of Osteoarthritis

The principles of management and treatment of osteoarthritis include several key objectives: reducing pain and other symptoms, improving joint movement and function, stopping the progression of the disease, and maintaining quality of life. Here are the treatment modalities for OA:

1. Pain medications

You can use over-the-counter pain medication to relieve your pain. They can be either topical, like creams, ointments, and patches, or oral. Oral anti-inflammatory medications like NSAIDs can also be helpful. [13]

2. Intra-articular medications

Intra-articular injections of corticosteroids and hyaluronic acids can also be effective, especially for acute pain.[13]

3. Exercise

Exercise helps improve symptoms like pain and stiffness alongside increasing flexibility. Low-impact exercises are particularly helpful. Stretching and strengthening exercises are also equally beneficial. Your doctor may recommend a physiotherapist to help you find the best exercises. [14]

4. Supportive devices

Wearing aids, knee braces, or shoe inserts take pressure off affected joints. These devices, therefore, help with the symptoms. Simple steps such as wearing comfortable shoes can also make a considerable difference.[15]

5. Heat or cold therapy

Heat therapy uses methods like heating pads or warm baths, while cold therapy uses ice packs or cold compresses. Heat helps to relax and loosen tissues, increase blood flow, and alleviate stiffness and chronic pain. Cold therapy, on the other hand, reduces inflammation, numbs pain, and decreases swelling, especially during flare-ups. [16]

6. Joint replacement surgery

Joint replacement therapies offer a solution for individuals experiencing severe joint pain and dysfunction when conservative treatments are no longer effective. Total joint replacement, such as hip or knee arthroplasty, involves surgically removing the damaged joint and replacing it with an artificial implant. This procedure aims to relieve pain, restore function, and improve quality of life by providing a new, smooth surface for joint movement. Partial joint replacement, where only the damaged portion of the joint is replaced, is another option that may be suitable for some patients. These therapies can significantly reduce pain and enhance mobility, allowing you to return to daily activities and improve your overall well-being. However, candidates for joint replacement typically undergo a thorough evaluation to ensure the procedure is appropriate based on their overall health, activity level, and specific joint damage. [17,18]

Prevention of Osteoarthritis

It is not possible to prevent osteoarthritis altogether. However, a healthy lifestyle and certain other factors can reduce your likelihood of developing or progressing OA. Some preventive measures include:

1. Maintain a healthy weight

Excess weight puts added stress on weight-bearing joints, particularly the knees and hips. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce the risk of OA. [19]

2. Regular exercise

Engaging in low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, and walking helps to strengthen the muscles around the joints, improve flexibility, and maintain overall joint function. Strengthening exercises can also support joint stability. [20]

3. Proper joint care

Using proper techniques during physical activities and sports can help prevent joint injuries. Employing correct posture and body mechanics in daily activities also contributes to joint health. [20]

4. Healthy diet

A balanced diet rich in nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and D, and antioxidants, supports joint health and reduces inflammation. [20]

5. Avoiding repetitive stress

Minimizing repetitive stress and overuse of joints, especially in occupations or activities that place high demands on specific joints, can help prevent OA.

6. Education and self-management

Educating patients about the risk factors for developing osteoarthritis can significantly reduce the risk. [21]

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) Injection for Osteoarthritis

PRP injection is an emerging treatment for osteoarthritis, and it uses the patient’s own blood to promote healing. The process involves drawing blood, centrifuging it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting the PRP into the affected joint. Platelets contain growth factors and proteins that support tissue repair and regeneration. [22]This treatment aims to reduce pain and improve joint function by leveraging the body’s natural healing mechanisms. PRP injections are considered a promising option for managing osteoarthritis symptoms, though more research is needed to understand their long-term efficacy. [22,23]

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

1. What exercises will benefit osteoarthritis?
2. Will I have a normal life after developing osteoarthritis?
3. Does surgery cure osteoarthritis?
4. What natural therapies can I try to help with my joint function?
5. What should I do if my symptoms suddenly worsen or if I experience new symptoms?

References

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2. Osteoarthritis n.d. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/osteoarthritis (accessed July 29, 2024).
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