Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a condition that makes your joints painful and stiff. It is the most common type of arthritis in the UK. It most often affects the knees, hips and small joints of the hands, but it can affect any joint.

In a healthy joint, a smooth layer called cartilage lets the bones glide over each other. In osteoarthritis, this layer gets thinner and rougher, and the joint tries to repair itself. The repairs can change the shape of the joint and cause pain, swelling and stiffness.

Symptoms

• joint pain, which is often worse when you move and better when you rest
• stiffness, especially after resting. Morning stiffness usually eases within 30 minutes
• a grating or crackling feeling when you move the joint
• swelling around the joint
• not being able to move the joint as far as before
• knobbly finger joints or a weak grip if it affects your hands

Symptoms often come and go. Many people have good days and bad days, and flare-ups can last days or weeks.

Who gets osteoarthritis?

You are more likely to get osteoarthritis if you:

• are over 45
• are a woman
• have had a joint injury or operation
• are overweight, which puts more strain on your knees and hips
• have a family history of osteoarthritis
• have a job or hobby that puts a lot of repeated strain on one joint

Getting diagnosed

A GP can usually diagnose osteoarthritis from your symptoms and an examination. NICE guidance says an X-ray or scan is not usually needed if you are 45 or over and have typical symptoms. You may have tests to rule out other types of arthritis.

Treatment

There is no cure, but treatment can ease pain and keep you moving. The main treatments are exercise, managing your weight if you need to, and pain relief when needed. See osteoarthritis treatment.

When to get help

See a GP if you have joint pain or stiffness that does not go away after a few weeks.