What is osteoarthritis? What causes osteoarthritis? Who gets it? What are the symptoms? When should I go to my GP?

What tests will I need? What treatments are available? Is there a cure? How can I help myself? Special equipment and aids.

What is osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is caused by "wear and tear" to the surface of your joints. Joint surfaces are usually smooth, but with osteoarthritis they become roughened and thinner. Joint movements then become painful, and joints can become inflamed. What causes osteoarthritis? We are not sure why some people develop osteoarthritis, and other people don't. Some things will increase your risk of developing arthritis, being overweight a previous injury to a joint, eg. a fracture a heavy occupation overuse due to sport a congenital abnormality in a joint a joint already affected by another form of arthritis Who gets it? Osteoarthritis is very common, and most of us will develop arthritis in one or more of our joints as we grow older. It is very rare under the age of 40. Usually, osteoarthritis involves joints which have suffered a lot of stress in life, such as our knees or hips. The lower back and the neck bones are often affected. The bottom of the thumbs, and the end of the fingers are common sites, particularly in women. What are the symptoms? Osteoarthritis usually begins as a nagging pain in a joint, which is worse when the joint is moved, and improves when resting. The joint may become inflamed, which means red, painful and swollen. Inflammation can also cause stiffness in the morning, or stiffness after periods of inactivity. Sometimes movement becomes restricted, and a joint can no longer move freely. When should I go to my doctor? If you have a pain in a joint lasting for more than a few days, you should visit your G.P. There are several different types of arthritis, and your doctor will need to decide which type of arthritis you have, and advise you on the best treatment. What tests will I need? There is no blood test for osteoarthritis, and often the diagnosis is made from simply listening to your complaints and examining your joints. Occasionally, blood tests are needed, to check for other types of arthritis. Your doctor may wish to X-ray your joints to decide which sort of arthritis you have and to see how far it has progressed. What treatments are available? Medication will help reduce pain and inflammation. Although medication can not "cure" your arthritis, it can help you lead an active life again. These are some of the treatments you can try. Your doctor can advise you. You may need to experiment to see which suits you best. simple painkillers, eg. paracetamol anti-inflammatory drugs eg. ibuprofen (Brufen or Nurofen) creams and gels, useful for small joints like finger joints massage warmth aromotherapy acupuncture wax baths steroid injections joint replacement operations Some people need to have regular treatment. Others only need to have treatment during a flare up of arthritis. Is there a cure? There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but some people find their pain and stiffness gradually gets better. In some severe cases, it is possible to have an operation, where the joint is removed and replaced by an artificial joint. This usually means the pain disappears and mobility improves. Not all joints can be replaced in this way, but hip joint and knee joint replacements are common nowadays. Unfortunately, the new joint usually lasts about 10 years, and will need replacing again. How can I help myself? If your joints are very painful and inflamed, you will need to rest. Medication will help reduce any pain and swelling. Paracetamol is helpful, and is safe for most people to take. However, if you suffer from other medical conditions, or if you take other medication, it is a good idea to ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Warming your joints with a warm flannel, hot water bottle, or a warm shower can help with morning stiffness and improve mobility. As soon as you can, you need to become mobile and active. Sitting or resting for long periods will make your joints stiff and your muscles weak. Gentle walks and stretching excercises can help. Swimming is an excellent sport, and can help you keep mobile without putting a stress on your joints. If you are overweight, you should try very hard to lose weight. There is no evidence that special diets are helpful, and you should have a healthy diet which includes fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, and dairy products. Some people find taking cod liver oil helpful. Special equipment and other aids You may find getting out of a low seat is difficult, and many modern seats are too low and soft. You should choose a comfortably padded, upright chair, with a firm back and arm rests. If you have arthritis of the knees, hips or ankles, wearing cushioned shoes can help. Look for good quality "trainers", or shoes with thick rubber soles. Choose shoes with a good grip, so that you feel secure while walking. If your walking is badly impaired by knee or hip arthritis, a walking stick or walking frame may be very helpful. If you have disabling arthritis, there are many gadgets which can make life easier. This equipment can be found in large pharmacies, specialist shops, or from catalogues. An occupational therapist may be able to advise you. long handled shoe horns special tools for putting on socks or stockings special grips for your keys adapted cutlery and beakers raised toilet seat hand rails in the bathroom or toilet a special seat in the bath Return to The Little Surgery information leaflets page. All comments, compliments and complaints to the web-weaver Dr Ruth Livingstone at ruth.livingstone@ukonline.co.uk