Osteoarthritis

• Alternative Names

  Hypertrophic osteoarthritis; Osteoarthrosis; Degenerative joint disease; DJD; OA; Arthritis - osteoarthritis

• Causes, incidence, and risk factors

  In osteoarthritis, the cushioning (cartilage) between the bones wears away in the joints. As osteoarthritis gets worse, the cartilage disappears and bone rubs on bone. Bony spurs or growths usually form around the joint. The ligaments and muscles around the joint loosen and become weaker.

  Often, the cause of OA is unknown. It is mainly related to aging, but other factors can also lead to OA.

  • Osteoarthritis tends to run in families
  • Being overweight increases the risk
  • Fractures or other joint injuries can lead to osteoarthritis later in life
  • Long-term overuse at work or in sports can lead to osteoarthritis

  Medical conditions that can lead to osteoarthritis include:

  • Bleeding disorders that cause bleeding in the joint, such as hemophilia
  • Disorders that block the blood supply near a joint, such as avascular necrosis
  • Other types of arthritis, such as chronic gout, pseudogout, or rheumatoid arthritis

  The symptoms of osteoarthritis usually appear in middle age and almost everyone has them by age 70. Before age 55, the condition occurs equally in men and women. After age 55, it is more common in women.

  

  See more about:
  Osteoarthritis
• Symptoms

  The symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

  • Deep aching joint pain that gets worse after exercise or putting weight on it, and is relieved by rest
  • Pain that is worse when you start activities after a period of no activity
  • Over time, pain is present even when you are at rest
  • Grating of the joint with motion
  • Increase in pain during humid or moist weather
  • Joint swelling
  • Limited movement
  • Muscle weakness around arthritic joints

  Some people might not have symptoms.

• Signs and tests

  A physical exam can show:

  • Joint movement may cause a cracking (grating) sound
  • Joint swelling (bones around the joints may feel larger than normal)
  • Limited range of motion
  • Tenderness when the joint is pressed
  • Normal movement is often painful

  No blood tests are helpful in diagnosing osteoarthritis.

  An x-ray of affected joints will show a loss of the joint space. In advanced cases, there will be a wearing down of the ends of the bone and bone spurs.

• Treatment

  The goals of treatment are to:

  • Increase the strength of the joints
  • Maintain or improve joint movement
  • Reduce the disabling effects of the disease
  • Relieve pain

  The treatment depends on which joints are involved.

  MEDICATIONS

  Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with symptoms. Most doctors recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) first, because it has fewer side effects than other drugs.

  If your pain continues, your doctor may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs help relieve pain and swelling. Types of NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

  However, long-term use of NSAIDs can cause stomach problems, such as ulcers and bleeding. These drugs may also increase the risk for heart attacks and strokes.

  The prescription drug, Celebrex (a COX-2 inhibitor) may work as well as other NSAIDs. Because of a risk for heart attacks and stroke, it is given only at the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible period of time.

  Corticosteroids injected right into the joint can also be used to reduce swelling and pain. However, relief only lasts for a short time.

  Many people use over-the-counter remedies such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. There is some evidence that these supplements can help control pain, although they do not seem to grow new cartilage. Some doctors recommend a trial period of 3 months to see whether glucosamine and chondroitin work.

  Capsaicin (Zostrix) skin cream may help relieve pain. You may feel a warm, stinging sensation when you first apply the cream. This sensation goes away after a few days of use. Pain relief usually begins within 1 - 2 weeks.

  Artificial joint fluid (Synvisc, Hyalgan) can be injected into the knee. It may relieve pain for 3 - 6 months.

  LIFESTYLE CHANGES

  Exercise helps maintain joint and overall movement. Ask your health care provider to recommend an appropriate home exercise routine. Water exercises, such as swimming, are especially helpful.

  Other lifestyle recommendations include:

  • Applying heat and cold
  • Eating a healthy, balanced diet
  • Getting rest
  • Losing weight if you are overweight
  • Protecting the joints

  People whose work is causing stress in certain joints should find ways to reduce trauma. You may need to adjust the work area or change work tasks.

  PHYSICAL THERAPY

  Physical therapy can help improve muscle strength and the motion at stiff joints. Therapists have many techniques for treating osteoarthritis. If therapy does not make you feel better after 3 - 6 weeks, then it likely will not work at all.

  BRACES

  Splints and braces can sometimes support weakened joints. Some prevent the joint from moving; others allow some movement. You should use a brace only when your doctor or therapist recommends one. Using a brace the wrong way can cause joint damage, stiffness, and pain.

  SURGERY

  Severe cases of osteoarthritis might need surgery to replace or repair damaged joints. Surgical options include:

  • Arthroscopic surgery to trim torn and damaged cartilage
  • Changing the alignment of a bone to relieve stress on the bone or joint (osteotomy)
  • Surgical fusion of bones, usually in the spine (arthrodesis)
  • Total or partial replacement of the damaged joint with an artificial joint (knee arthroplasty, hip arthroplasty)
• Support Groups

  For more information and support, see arthritis resources.

• Expectations (prognosis)

  Your movement may become very limited. Treatment generally improves function.

• Complications
  • Adverse reactions to drugs used for treatment
  • Decreased ability to perform everyday activities, such as personal hygiene, household chores, or cooking
  • Decreased ability to walk
  • Surgical complications
• Calling your health care provider

  Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of osteoarthritis.

• Prevention

  Weight loss can reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis in overweight women.

• References

  Gregory PJ, Sperry M, Wilson AF. Dietary supplements for osteoarthritis. Am Fam Physician. 2008;77:177-184.

  Hunter DJ. In the clinic: Osteoarthritis. Ann Intern Med. 2007;147(3):ITC8-1-ITC8-16.

Review Date: 8/26/2009

Reviewed By: Dennis Ogiela, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon, Danbury Hospital, Danbury, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.