• What is Osteoarthritis?
  • What are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis?
  • Who is Most at Risk?
  • How is Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?
  • How is Osteoarthritis Treated?
  • When would surgery be considered?
  • How Can Osteoarthritis Be Prevented?

  • What is Osteoarthritis?

    Osteoarthritis is a disease of the joints affecting most of us in one way or another as we age. Around 80% of people over the age of 50 are affected. The process begins with the cartilage wearing thin and disjointed and over time, it could be totally grinded to nothing. At the same time, the joint capsule thickness enhances and more synovial (lubricating) fluid is created which causes swelling in the joint. Ultimately, osteoarthritis can effect any and every joint in the human body, but it's usually apparent in the fingers, knees, hips and spine.

    What are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis?

    • Joint stiffness and pain. This can improve with physical activity but is usually worse again after periods of inactivity.

    • Backache.

    • Reduced flexibility of movement in affected joints.

    • Possible swelling of affected joints.

    • Possible grating of the joint on movement.


    Who is Most at Risk?


    • obesity. Being overweight can add strain on the joints.

    • stress on joints caused by one's work or physical activity or ageing

    • injury to the joint lining, caused by a previous injury.

    How is Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?

    • Medical history and examination by a professional healthcare practitioner

    • An X-ray examination will determine whether a patient has osteoarthritis.

    Often there won’t be a correlation between the level of pain and the severity of arthritis as shown by the X-ray. It is the level of pain and the issues associated with movement that are decisive factors when making the diagnosis. Laboratory blood tests may be performed to rule out any inflammatory forms of arthritis.

    How is Osteoarthritis Treated?

    • Exercise should be the nucleus of treatment for people with osteoarthritis, regardless of age, co-morbidity, pain severity or disability. Exercise should focus on local muscle strengthening and general aerobic fitness.




    • Swimming in a heated pool.


    • Massaging the muscles around the joints.






    When would surgery be considered?



    Modern artificial joints are expected to function for up to 20 years. Future prospects In spite of great progress with artificial joints, there are unfortunately still many people who have to live with their osteoarthritis and the daily pain it can cause. Patients may still have to visit their GP to have their condition monitored and the treatment plan discussed.

    The GP can offer advice to help patients understand the condition and better cope with it.

    How Can Osteoarthritis Be Prevented?

    It is not usually possible to prevent the condition occurring completely. Maintaining a normal weight for height and body structure, keeping physically active and avoiding excessive stress on the joints as you get older, can reduce the severity and effects of osteoarthritis.

    More information


    Arthritis Research UK

    Arthritis Care

    • Your local Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) may also be able to give you further information and support.