Do your knees ache when you wake up in the morning? Do your joints feel stiff after sitting for a long time? If so, you’re not alone. These could be early signs of osteoarthritis, a common joint condition that affects millions of people around the world.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through what osteoarthritis is, its symptoms, causes, treatment options, and when it might be time to visit a doctor. Whether you’re just starting to feel discomfort or you’ve been dealing with joint pain for years, this guide is here to help.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that happens when the cartilage — the smooth, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones — wears down over time. Without enough cartilage, bones begin to rub against each other. This causes pain, swelling, and stiffness.
It’s often called a “wear and tear” condition because it usually develops slowly as we age. However, it can also happen earlier in life due to injury, repeated stress on the joint, or other health conditions.
Unlike other types of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis doesn’t affect the whole body. It mainly affects the joints, especially those in the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
Common Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis can develop gradually, and at first, you may not notice much. Over time, symptoms may include:
- Joint pain during or after movement
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after resting
- Loss of flexibility
- A grating feeling or sound when the joint moves
- Swelling around the joint
- Bone spurs (extra bits of bone that may feel like hard lumps)
The most commonly affected joints are the knees, hips, fingers, and lower back. If the pain keeps coming back or is affecting your daily life, it’s time to take it seriously.
Causes and Risk Factors
he main cause of osteoarthritis is the breakdown of joint cartilage over time. But several things can increase your chances of developing it:
- Age: Risk increases with age, especially after 45.
- Joint injuries: Past injuries can lead to joint damage later on.
- Repetitive stress: Jobs or activities that put constant stress on joints.
- Weight: Extra body weight adds pressure to weight-bearing joints like knees and hips.
- Genetics: Family history can play a role.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis, especially after menopause.
Diagnosis: How Osteoarthritis Is Identified
Doctors usually start with a physical exam. They’ll check your joints for swelling, redness, and how well you can move. You may also be asked about your medical history and symptoms.
Other tests might include:
- X-rays to look for bone changes and loss of cartilage.
- MRI scans for more detailed images if needed.
- Blood tests to rule out other types of arthritis.
- Joint fluid analysis to check for inflammation or infection.
Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis
While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are many ways to manage the symptoms and slow the progress of the disease.
1. Lifestyle Changes
- Exercise: Gentle activities like walking, swimming, and stretching help keep joints flexible.
- Weight Management: Losing even a small amount of weight can reduce pressure on your joints.
- Healthy Diet: Eating foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties (like leafy greens and fish) may help reduce symptoms.
2. Medications
- Pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- Topical creams applied directly to the skin over the joint.
- Supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin may help some people.
3. Physical Therapy
A trained physiotherapist can guide you through stretches and exercises that support the affected joints and reduce stiffness.
4. Injections
- Corticosteroid injections may help relieve pain and swelling for a short period.
- Hyaluronic acid injections aim to improve joint movement, especially in the knees.
5. Surgery
If other treatments no longer help, surgery such as joint replacement may be considered, especially for the knee or hip.
Living With Osteoarthritis: Daily Tips
You can still enjoy life even if you have osteoarthritis. Small changes to your daily routine can make a big difference:
- Use supportive shoes and avoid walking on hard surfaces.
- Avoid sitting or standing in the same position for too long.
- Use warm compresses to relax stiff joints and cold packs to reduce swelling.
- Use braces or walking aids if your doctor recommends them.
Staying active without overdoing it is the key to managing this condition.
When to See a Doctor
If you’re finding it hard to move around, climb stairs, or complete your daily tasks because of joint pain, it’s time to talk to a doctor. Pain that doesn’t go away or keeps getting worse should not be ignored. A doctor can guide you toward the right treatment so your condition doesn’t limit your life more than it has to.
If you’re in or around Pune and dealing with joint pain, you can visit Dr. Rajeev Gawhale, an Orthopedic Doctor at Bone & Joint Care Clinic. He helps people manage conditions like osteoarthritis with clear advice and treatment options suited to individual needs.
FAQs About Osteoarthritis
Q1: Is walking good for people with osteoarthritis?
Yes, walking helps keep joints flexible and can reduce stiffness and pain.
Q2: What foods should I avoid with osteoarthritis?
Try to limit sugar, processed foods, fried foods, and too much red meat.
Q3: How is osteoarthritis different from rheumatoid arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own joints.
Osteoarthritis can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to take over your life. The earlier you understand the symptoms and take action, the better you’ll feel in the long run. Simple steps like staying active, eating well, and getting medical advice can help you manage the pain and keep doing what you love.
👉 If joint pain is making your daily routine difficult, consider visiting Dr. Rajeev Gawhale at Bone & Joint Care Clinic in Phursungi. A timely visit can bring relief and help you move more comfortably again.
