Osteoarthritis is usually viewed as yet another aspect of aging, but things are not quite so simple, and much more encouraging. Prevalent in more than 32 million adults in the U.S., osteoarthritis is the most prevalent type of arthritis and can affect virtually every aspect of daily living. Although it’s been termed a “wear and tear” disease for decades, physicians now understand that it’s far more complicated than that. Osteoarthritis is an illness that involves the whole joint, rather than only the cartilage. It leads to changes in the bone, cartilage, ligaments, fat, and even the joint lining, resulting in pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility over time.
The symptoms usually develop gradually. You may begin to experience aching joints, stiffness after sitting for a period of time, or reduced flexibility when performing simple tasks. Osteoarthritis also affects hands, knees, hips, lower back, and neck, but may occur in any joint. Although more frequent after 50, osteoarthritis is not only seen in older people. Those who have experienced joint injuries—such as a ruptured ACL or meniscus—can develop osteoarthritis much earlier, even only a few years following the injury.
Having osteoarthritis is not just about managing joint pain. It has a cascading effect of health issues. Pain can make it more difficult to move around, contributing to weight gain. It increases the load on the joints and tends to bring on inflammation, exacerbating the symptoms. Obesity also increases the risk of other complications such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. In addition to that, individuals who have osteoarthritis have a higher chance of falling and fracturing bones, particularly if their hips or knees are affected. Indeed, research indicates that individuals with OA have as many as 30 percent more falls and are 20 percent more likely to fracture than people without it. Weakness of the muscle, reduced mobility, and even side effects from medication can all contribute to that risk.
Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are numerous means of living with it and still having a full, active life. Medication benefits a great many individuals. Acetaminophen is an over-the-counter painkiller that may be helpful, as well as anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen to help relieve both pain and swelling. Creams and gels containing things such as menthol or capsaicin provide relief to some individuals by distracting the nerves from pain. For more intense pain, physicians can prescribe corticosteroids, either orally or intramuscularly. For some, drugs such as duloxetine or pregabalin are prescribed specifically for osteoarthritis pain.
But OA is not only about medication. Being active is the very best. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate to intense exercise each week. A good regimen should combine strength training to strengthen the muscles in and around your joints, stretching to remain flexible, cardio for endurance and weight management, and balance exercises to prevent falls. It’s a good idea to discuss something new with your doctor or physical therapist first so you can be certain it is safe and appropriate for your needs.
Keeping your weight in a healthy range is also really important. Losing just one pound can take four pounds of pressure off your lower-body joints. That’s a big deal when you’re trying to ease pain and slow down joint damage. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and chiropractors can be great resources, too. They can suggest personalized exercises, natural treatments, and devices like braces or shoe inserts that make moving easier and protect your joints.
If the injury is serious and other treatments have not been helpful enough, surgery may be the next course of action. Joint replacement—particularly of knees and hips—is effective in relieving pain and restoring mobility. An orthopedic surgeon can discuss the possibilities with you and assist you in choosing what will be best, depending on the extent of the damage.
Osteoarthritis doesn’t have to mean that you must abandon the things you enjoy. With the appropriate combination of treatments, support, and lifestyle modifications, you can control symptoms, remain active, and live well. Knowing that osteoarthritis involves the entire joint—and not only the cartilage—is the first step toward taking control and keeping your joints in the best possible shape.
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