What is
osteoarthritis (OA)?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. Some people
call it degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis. It occurs most
frequently in the hands, hips, and knees.
With OA, the cartilage within a joint begins to break down and the
underlying bone begins to change. These changes usually develop slowly and get
worse over time. OA can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. In some cases, it
also causes reduced function and disability; some people are no longer able to
do daily tasks or work.
What are the signs
and symptoms of OA?- Decreased range of motion (or flexibility)
OA is caused by damage or breakdown of joint
cartilage between bones.
What are the risk
factors for OA?
- Joint injury or overuse—Injury or overuse, such as
knee bending and repetitive stress on a joint, can damage a joint and
increase the risk of OA in that joint.
- Age—The risk of developing OA increases with age.
- Gender—Women are more likely to develop OA than
men, especially after age 50.
- Obesity—Extra weight puts more stress on joints,
particularly weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees. This stress
increases the risk of OA in that joint. Obesity may also have metabolic
effects that increase the risk of OA.
- Genetics—People who have family members with OA
are more likely to develop OA. People who have hand OA are more likely to
develop knee OA.
- Race— Some Asian populations have
lower risk for OA.
How is OA diagnosed?
A doctor diagnoses OA through
a review of symptoms, physical examination, X-rays, and lab tests.
A rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in arthritis and other related
conditions, can help if there are any questions about the diagnosis
How is OA treated?
There is no cure for OA, so doctors usually treat OA symptoms with a
combination of therapies, which may include the following:- Increasing physical activity
- Physical therapy with muscle strengthening
exercises
- Medications, including over-the-counter pain
relievers and prescription drugs
- Supportive devices such as crutches or canes
- Surgery (if other treatment
options have not been effective)
In addition to these treatments, people can gain confidence in managing
their OA with self-management strategies. These strategies help reduce pain and
disability so people with osteoarthritis can pursue the activities that are
important to them. These five simples and effective arthritis management strategies can help.
How can I manage OA
and improve my quality of life?
CDC’s Arthritis Program recommends five self-management strategies for
managing arthritis and its symptoms.- Learn self-management skills. Join a self-management
education class, which helps people with arthritis and other chronic
conditions—including OA—understand how arthritis affects their lives and
increase their confidence in controlling their symptoms and living well.
Learn more about the CDC-recommended self-management education
programs.
- Get physically
active. Experts recommend that adults
engage in 150 minutes per week of at least moderate physical activity.
Every minute of activity counts, and any activity is better than none.
Moderate, low impact activities recommended include walking, swimming, or
biking. Regular physical activity can also reduce the risk of developing
other chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Learn
more about physical activity for
arthritis.
- Go to
effective physical activity programs. For people
who worry that physical activity may make OA worse or are unsure how
to exercise safely, participation in physical activity programs can help
reduce pain and disability related to arthritis and improve mood and the
ability to move. Classes take place at local Ys, parks, and community
centers. These classes can help people with OA feel better. Learn more
about CDC-recommended physical activity programs.
- Talk to your doctor. You can
play an active role in controlling your arthritis by attending regular
appointments with your health care provider and following your recommended
treatment plan. This is especially important if you also have other
chronic conditions, like diabetes or heart disease.
- Lose weight. For people who
are overweight or obese, losing weight reduces pressure on joints,
particularly weight bearing joints like the hips and knees. Reaching or
maintaining a healthy weight can relieve pain, improve function, and slow
the progression of OA.
- Protect your
joints. Joint injuries can cause or worsen
arthritis. Choose activities that are easy on the joints like walking,
bicycling, and swimming. These low-impact activities have a low risk of
injury and do not twist or put too much stress on the joints. Learn more
about how to exercise safely with arthritis.
What causes OA?