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Overview

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a progressive joint disease in which cartilage and other joint tissues gradually change and become damaged. It most often affects the knees, hips, hands, spine, and feet, although any joint can be involved. This osteoarthritis definition includes more than cartilage wear: the underlying bone, joint lining, and nearby tissues may also change. It is more common with increasing age but can occur at different ages, especially after an injury or with certain inherited or structural factors.

Symptoms

Osteoarthritis Symptoms

  • Joint pain that may worsen during or after activity.
  • Stiffness after rest or when getting up in the morning.
  • Swelling around the affected joint.
  • Tenderness when the joint or nearby tissues are touched.
  • Reduced range of motion that makes the joint harder to move fully.
  • Creaking, grating, or grinding sensations during movement (crepitus).
  • Difficulty with daily activities such as dressing, gripping, walking, or climbing stairs.

How knee symptoms affect daily activities

Knee osteoarthritis may cause pain or stiffness when walking, standing for a long time, rising from a chair, or using stairs. Symptoms can differ depending on the joint involved and the severity of disease. Persistent or worsening pain, repeated swelling, or increasing difficulty with movement should be assessed by a healthcare professional rather than assumed to be routine arthritis.

Causes

What Causes Osteoarthritis?

Healthy cartilage helps bones move smoothly and absorbs stress, but joint tissues are constantly being broken down and repaired. Osteoarthritis can develop when damage and changes outpace the body’s ability to maintain these tissues. Cartilage may thin or become rough, while the bone beneath it can thicken and form extra growths; the joint lining, ligaments, and nearby muscles may also be affected.

  • A previous joint injury can change how forces move through the joint and increase later risk.
  • Repeated joint stress from work, sport, or other activities may contribute to tissue damage.
  • An unusual joint shape or alignment can place extra pressure on particular areas.
  • Inflammation in and around a joint may add to tissue changes and symptoms.
  • Inherited differences in cartilage, bone, or joint structure can increase susceptibility.

Risk Factors

Osteoarthritis Risk Factors

Factors you cannot change

  • Increasing age is associated with a higher likelihood of osteoarthritis, although it is not an inevitable part of aging.
  • Sex-related patterns vary by age and joint, with some forms more common in women and others in men.
  • A family history of osteoarthritis may reflect inherited susceptibility.
  • Abnormal joint shape, alignment, or development can increase pressure on joint tissues.
  • A previous developmental difference in a joint may affect how it functions over time.

Factors that may be addressed

  • Excess body weight can increase load on weight-bearing joints and may be addressed with professional support.
  • Previous injuries may raise risk, particularly when rehabilitation is incomplete or the joint remains unstable.
  • Repetitive heavy loading or high-impact activity may be modified with guidance from a clinician or therapist.
  • Muscle weakness can reduce joint support and may improve through an individualized strengthening program.
  • Low activity levels may contribute to weakness and reduced function, so gradual joint-friendly movement can help.

Complications

Osteoarthritis Complications

  • Reduced mobility can make walking, bending, reaching, or using stairs more difficult.
  • Muscle weakness may develop when pain leads to less movement.
  • Balance problems and falls may become more likely when mobility is limited.
  • Pain or difficulty finding a comfortable position can disrupt sleep.
  • Osteoarthritis may interfere with work, household tasks, self-care, or other daily activities.
  • Long-term pain and loss of independence can affect mood and emotional well-being.

Get medical advice

Check new or severe symptoms

New severe pain, inability to bear weight, or a hot, red joint may point to an infection, fracture, gout, or another problem rather than osteoarthritis alone. Symptoms that begin after an injury also need assessment, especially if movement is suddenly limited.

Diagnosis

How Osteoarthritis Is Diagnosed

A clinician usually starts by asking about the pain pattern, stiffness, activities that worsen symptoms, and how the joint affects function. During the examination, they may assess movement, tenderness, swelling, joint sounds, muscle strength, and alignment. The history and physical examination often provide enough information to identify typical osteoarthritis, while also helping the clinician consider other causes of joint symptoms.

When tests may be needed

X-rays may show narrowing of the joint space or changes in the bone, while ultrasound can assess fluid and some soft tissues. MRI is usually reserved for selected situations, such as unusual symptoms or concern about another structure, and blood tests may help rule out inflammatory or other diseases. Tests are not always needed when the symptoms and examination are typical. Osteoarthritis vs rheumatoid arthritis is an important distinction: rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that usually requires different evaluation and treatment, whereas osteoarthritis is primarily associated with progressive changes in joint tissues.

Treatment & Management

Osteoarthritis Treatment and Management

First-line management and daily care

Osteoarthritis treatment often begins with a tailored exercise plan, physical therapy, and strengthening of muscles that support the affected joint. Low-impact activity, pacing, heat or cold, and assistive devices such as a cane may reduce strain and improve function. If excess body weight contributes to symptoms, gradual weight management with appropriate professional support can reduce load on weight-bearing joints. The best plan depends on the affected joint, symptoms, fitness, and other health conditions.

Medicines, injections, and procedures

Topical or oral pain relievers may be options for some people, but a clinician should consider kidney, stomach, heart, liver, and pregnancy-related risks, as well as possible drug interactions. Injections may be considered when other measures do not provide enough relief, but their benefits and duration vary and they do not restore damaged cartilage. Procedures are chosen according to the joint and the person’s overall health. Joint replacement may be discussed when severe symptoms and loss of function continue despite nonsurgical care.

ApproachTypical roleKey considerations
Nonsurgical managementUsually the starting and ongoing approach for controlling symptoms and protecting function.May include exercise, physical therapy, weight management, medicines, pacing, heat or cold, and assistive devices; benefits require continued use and may vary.
Joint replacement surgeryMay be considered for severe pain and disability that persist despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment.Can improve pain and function for selected patients, but involves surgical risks, recovery, and possible future revision; suitability depends on the joint and overall health.

Prevention

Can Osteoarthritis Be Prevented?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent osteoarthritis, particularly when age, genetics, or joint structure play a role. However, protecting joints and maintaining strength may lower risk, delay worsening, or help preserve function.

  • Take part in regular joint-friendly activity, such as walking, swimming, cycling, or strength exercises suited to your abilities.
  • Increase training load gradually and allow time for recovery rather than making sudden changes.
  • Use appropriate technique and equipment to reduce avoidable sports or work-related injuries.
  • Have joint injuries assessed and follow recommended rehabilitation before returning to full activity.
  • Maintain a weight that supports overall health and reduces excess load on weight-bearing joints.
  • Manage related conditions and address muscle weakness or mobility limitations with professional guidance.

Outlook and Prognosis

Osteoarthritis Outlook and Prognosis

Osteoarthritis is generally a long-term condition. There is no guaranteed cure that restores damaged cartilage, but individualized treatment can often reduce symptoms, improve movement, and support daily function. The course may be gradual, stable for periods, or more limiting over time, and it differs between people and joints.

When Should You See a Doctor

When Should You See a Doctor for Osteoarthritis?

  • Arrange a medical visit for joint pain or stiffness that persists or keeps returning.
  • Seek evaluation when symptoms are gradually worsening despite usual self-care.
  • Ask for help if pain or stiffness makes walking or daily activities difficult.
  • Discuss recurrent swelling or changes in the way a joint looks or moves.
  • Make an appointment when symptoms do not improve with appropriate self-care.

Seek prompt care

Know the urgent warning signs

Seek prompt medical assessment for a suddenly hot or very swollen joint, fever, inability to bear weight, severe pain after an injury, or sudden loss of movement. These symptoms may indicate an infection, fracture, or another condition needing urgent treatment.

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Tests & Procedure

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Symptoms

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