What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease where the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of bones wears down over time, causing pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. It most commonly affects knees, hips, hands and spine.
Symptoms
- Joint pain that worsens with activity
- Stiffness, especially after rest or in the morning
- Reduced range of motion
- Swelling around the joint
- A grating or crackling sensation when moving the joint
- Bone spurs
Stages of Osteoarthritis
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Stage 0 | Normal — no signs of OA |
| Stage 1 | Minor bone spur growth, minimal cartilage wear |
| Stage 2 (Mild) | Visible bone spurs, joint space mostly normal |
| Stage 3 (Moderate) | Cartilage erosion narrows the joint space |
| Stage 4 (Severe) | Significant cartilage loss, bone-on-bone contact |
Tests Used to Diagnose
| Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
| X-ray | Shows joint space narrowing and bone spurs |
| MRI | Detailed view of cartilage and soft tissue damage |
| Joint fluid analysis | Rules out gout or infection as the cause of joint pain |
Treatment
- Weight management to reduce joint load
- Low-impact exercise (swimming, cycling, physiotherapy)
- Pain relief — acetaminophen, NSAIDs, topical gels
- Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid joint injections
- Joint replacement surgery for severe cases
Important: Osteoarthritis management plans should be tailored by a doctor or rheumatologist based on the affected joints and severity.