Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints gradually wears down. It can cause joint pain, stiffness, swelling, tenderness, and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, spine, and other weight-bearing joints. Treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving movement, and helping patients maintain their quality of life.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint condition that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually breaks down. Although the risk of osteoarthritis increases with age, it is not simply a normal part of getting older. OA can cause joint pain, stiffness, swelling, tenderness, and reduced range of motion. Some people may also experience a grinding or cracking sensation, known as crepitus, when moving the affected joint. Risk factors include age, excess weight, previous joint injuries, repetitive stress on a joint, genetics, and certain other joint conditions.
Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, spine, and other joints that experience regular stress. In the hands, OA may affect the finger joints and the joint at the base of the thumb. It can also affect the feet and toes. Osteoarthritis can occur in one or several joints, and symptoms may vary depending on the affected joint.
Osteoarthritis symptoms often develop gradually and may affect one or several joints. Common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, tenderness, and reduced range of motion. Some people may also experience a grinding, clicking, or crunching sensation called crepitus when moving the affected joint. Symptoms may become more noticeable with activity and can make everyday movements more difficult.
Erosive or inflammatory OA is a specific type of OA that affects primarily the hands and is more common in women in their 40s or 50s. This disorder is frequently inherited and is associated by more obvious symptoms of inflammation, such as redness, inflammation, or warmth over the finger joints.
Osteoarthritis is usually diagnosed based on a patient's symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. Your doctor will evaluate the affected joints, range of motion, tenderness, swelling, and other symptoms to determine whether osteoarthritis is likely.
X-rays may be used to evaluate the affected joint and look for changes such as joint-space narrowing, bone changes, or other signs of osteoarthritis. Imaging can also help rule out other causes of joint pain and may help determine how advanced the joint changes are.
Blood tests are not usually needed to diagnose osteoarthritis. However, your doctor may recommend blood tests when necessary to rule out other types of arthritis or inflammatory conditions that can cause similar symptoms. In some cases, fluid from a swollen joint may also be examined to help identify another cause of joint inflammation.
Osteoarthritis treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving joint function, maintaining mobility, and helping patients stay active. Treatment is individualized based on the affected joint, severity of symptoms, overall health, and daily activities. A combination of exercise, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, medications, and other treatments may help manage symptoms.
Regular, appropriate exercise can help strengthen the muscles around affected joints, improve flexibility, and support mobility. Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, cycling, and other exercises recommended by a healthcare professional may be beneficial. Maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce stress on weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips.
Physical therapy may help improve strength, flexibility, balance, and range of motion. A physical therapist can develop an exercise program based on the affected joint and may recommend supportive devices, such as a cane, brace, or other mobility aid, when appropriate
Medications may help manage osteoarthritis pain and improve daily function. Depending on the patient's symptoms and overall health, treatment may include acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The appropriate medication depends on factors such as other medications, kidney or stomach problems, cardiovascular risk, and overall health. A healthcare professional can help determine the safest option.
Medications may help manage osteoarthritis pain and improve daily function. Depending on the patient's symptoms and overall health, treatment may include acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The appropriate medication depends on factors such as other medications, kidney or stomach problems, cardiovascular risk, and overall health. A healthcare professional can help determine the safest option.
Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements have been studied for osteoarthritis, but research on their effectiveness has produced mixed results. They have not been proven to restore damaged cartilage. Patients should discuss supplements with their healthcare provider before using them regularly.
Joint injections may be considered when osteoarthritis pain continues despite other treatment approaches. Corticosteroid injections may provide short-term relief for some patients with painful osteoarthritis. The potential benefits and risks depend on the affected joint and the patient's individual health factors. Your physician can determine whether an injection is appropriate.
Conventional wisdom once held that there was a maximum number of injections that might be administered, but new research suggests that The number and frequency of injections should be determined by the treating clinician based on the affected joint, symptoms, previous treatments, and individual risk factors.
Hyaluronic acid injections may be considered for some patients with knee osteoarthritis who continue to experience symptoms despite other treatments. The effectiveness of these injections can vary between patients. Your rheumatologist can discuss whether this treatment is appropriate based on your symptoms and treatment history.
For advanced osteoarthritis, joint replacement surgery may be considered when persistent pain and functional limitations significantly affect daily life and other treatments have not provided sufficient relief. The decision depends on the affected joint, severity of symptoms, overall health, mobility, and individual treatment goals. Your healthcare provider can help determine when a surgical evaluation may be appropriate.
You may benefit from seeing a rheumatologist if joint pain, stiffness, or swelling persists, affects your daily activities, or does not improve with initial treatment. A rheumatologist can evaluate your symptoms, help distinguish osteoarthritis from other types of arthritis, and develop a treatment plan based on your individual needs.
A rheumatology evaluation may be particularly helpful when the diagnosis is unclear, multiple joints are affected, or symptoms suggest an inflammatory form of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis can affect mobility, comfort, and everyday activities. Patients in Scottsdale and Phoenix who are experiencing persistent joint pain, stiffness, swelling, or reduced mobility can seek evaluation from a rheumatology professional. Treatment recommendations are based on the affected joint, severity of symptoms, overall health, and individual treatment goals.
Scottsdale Rheumatology Center provides evaluation and treatment for arthritis and related joint conditions, helping patients understand their symptoms and explore appropriate treatment options.
Common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, tenderness, reduced range of motion, and grinding or cracking sensations known as crepitus. Symptoms often develop gradually and may become more noticeable with activity.
2. What causes osteoarthritis?Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage that cushions a joint gradually breaks down. Risk factors include age, previous joint injuries, excess weight, repetitive stress, genetics, and certain other joint conditions.
3. Can osteoarthritis be treated without surgery?Yes. Many people manage osteoarthritis with non-surgical treatments such as exercise, physical therapy, weight management, medications, and certain joint injections. Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the affected joint.
4. What joints are most commonly affected by osteoarthritis?Osteoarthritis commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, spine, and other joints that experience repeated stress. It can affect one or several joints at the same time.
5. When should I see a rheumatologist for osteoarthritis?Consider seeing a rheumatologist if joint pain, stiffness, swelling, or reduced mobility persists or interferes with daily activities. A rheumatologist can also help determine whether symptoms are caused by osteoarthritis or another type of arthritis.
6. Can osteoarthritis affect multiple joints?Yes. Osteoarthritis can affect multiple joints, although symptoms may vary from one joint to another. A healthcare professional can evaluate which joints are affected and recommend an appropriate treatment approach.
Osteoarthritis treatment is tailored to each patient's symptoms, affected joints, overall health, and treatment goals. If joint pain, stiffness, swelling, or reduced mobility is affecting your daily life, a rheumatology evaluation can help determine the cause of your symptoms and appropriate treatment options.Contact Scottsdale Rheumatology Center to learn more about osteoarthritis care in Scottsdale, AZ.
