In short,
- Osteoarthritis treatment combines pain management, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications tailored to your symptoms and affected joints.
- Treatment options range from exercise and weight management to medications, injections, and surgery, depending on severity.
- Early intervention and consistent management can slow progression and significantly improve joint function and quality of life.
Understanding Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage breakdown within joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. This wear-and-tear condition occurs when the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of bones gradually wears away, causing bones to rub together and resulting in pain, inflammation, and limited movement.
Osteoarthritis commonly affects the hands, knees, hips, and spine, and represents one of the most prevalent forms of arthritis affecting millions of adults.
Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, which results from autoimmune processes, osteoarthritis primarily stems from mechanical stress and accumulated joint damage. While often associated with aging, osteoarthritis can also develop from joint injuries, obesity, or genetic predisposition.
How Osteoarthritis Affects Joints
As cartilage deteriorates, the joint space narrows, potentially leading to bone spurs called osteophytes. Inflammation affects surrounding tissues, causing swelling and tenderness. Muscle weakness around the affected joint may develop as pain limits use.
In advanced cases, joints can become unstable, causing further pain and disability. The body attempts to repair damage through abnormal bone growth, which ironically contributes to increased stiffness and reduced range of motion.
Causes and Risk Factors
Multiple factors contribute to osteoarthritis development.
Age and Genetics
Age is the primary risk factor due to cumulative wear and tear over decades. Genetics also plays a significant role, with family history substantially increasing the likelihood. Certain genetic mutations affecting cartilage structure and function have been linked to early-onset osteoarthritis.
Joint Injuries and Overuse
Previous joint injuries, including fractures, dislocations, or ligament tears, increase osteoarthritis risk years later. Repetitive motions or overuse from high-impact sports or occupations requiring repetitive joint movements contribute to accelerated cartilage breakdown.
Additional Risk Factors
Obesity significantly increases stress on weight-bearing joints, with each excess pound adding substantial pressure to knees and hips. Joint deformities such as bowed legs or knock knees unevenly distribute weight, increasing osteoarthritis risk.
Certain medical conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and hemochromatosis, can also elevate risk.
Recognizing Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Early symptom recognition enables timely treatment and better outcomes.
Common Symptoms
Joint pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest is the hallmark symptom. Morning stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes, joint swelling and tenderness, reduced range of motion, and grating sensation or sound during movement are typical manifestations.
Pain may be described as a deep ache or occasionally a sharp, stabbing sensation.
Symptom Progression
Symptoms typically develop gradually. Initially, pain may be mild and occur only after prolonged activity. As osteoarthritis progresses, pain becomes more frequent and severe, interfering with daily activities like climbing stairs, opening jars, or walking.
Joint stiffness increases, muscle weakness develops, and in some cases, joints may lock or give way unexpectedly.
Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis
Thorough evaluation establishes an accurate diagnosis and guides treatment planning.
Physical Examination
Your doctor will assess affected joints for tenderness, swelling, warmth, and range of motion. They evaluate posture and gait to understand how osteoarthritis affects movement. Specific tests assess joint stability and function. Palpation may detect crepitus or bone spurs.
Imaging Studies
X-rays visualize bones and joint space, revealing characteristic osteoarthritis changes, including cartilage loss, joint space narrowing, and bone spurs. MRI provides detailed soft tissue images, detecting early cartilage damage not visible on X-rays.
Joint aspiration may analyze joint fluid to differentiate osteoarthritis from inflammatory arthritis types.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Most people with osteoarthritis benefit from conservative treatments that manage pain and maintain function.
Physical and Occupational Therapy
Physical therapy strengthens muscles supporting affected joints, improves range of motion, and reduces pain through targeted exercises. A physical therapist develops personalized programs addressing your specific limitations.
Occupational therapy teaches joint protection techniques, recommends assistive devices, and modifies activities to reduce joint stress during daily tasks.
Weight Management
For overweight individuals, weight loss is among the most effective interventions. Losing even modest amounts reduces mechanical stress on weight-bearing joints and decreases inflammation throughout the body. Weight reduction can significantly improve pain and function in knee and hip osteoarthritis.
Exercise and Physical Activity
Low-impact exercises, including swimming, cycling, and walking, strengthen muscles and improve joint function without excessive stress. Strength training builds muscle mass that supports and protects joints. Stretching exercises maintain or improve the range of motion. Regular physical activity also helps with weight management and overall health.
Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers, including acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, manage mild to moderate pain. Prescription NSAIDs provide stronger relief for more severe symptoms, though long-term use requires monitoring for gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects.
Topical NSAIDs applied directly to affected joints provide pain relief with fewer systemic effects than oral medications.
Injection Therapies
Corticosteroid injections directly into affected joints provide temporary pain relief lasting weeks to months by reducing inflammation. However, frequent injections may potentially damage cartilage.
Hyaluronic acid injections supplement joint fluid and may provide several months of relief for some patients, particularly those with knee osteoarthritis, though effectiveness varies among individuals.
Surgical Treatment Options
When conservative treatments no longer provide adequate relief, surgical interventions may be appropriate.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopic surgery uses small incisions and a camera to visualize joint interiors. Surgeons can remove loose cartilage fragments, smooth rough surfaces, or trim damaged tissue.
This minimally invasive approach may provide temporary relief, though benefits often diminish as arthritis progresses.
Joint Replacement
Total joint replacement or arthroplasty replaces damaged joint surfaces with artificial components. This surgery is typically reserved for severe osteoarthritis causing significant pain and disability unresponsive to conservative treatments.
Hip and knee replacements are most common and can dramatically improve the quality of life. Discuss benefits, risks, and recovery thoroughly with an orthopedic surgeon.
Osteotomy
Osteotomy realigns joints by cutting and repositioning bone to shift weight away from damaged areas. This procedure may delay the need for joint replacement in younger, active patients with arthritis limited to one joint area.
Lifestyle Strategies for Managing Osteoarthritis
Daily strategies complement medical treatments and help manage symptoms.
Joint Protection
Use proper body mechanics when lifting objects. Avoid repetitive motions that stress affected joints. Wear supportive, cushioned shoes.
Use assistive devices like jar openers, ergonomic tools, or canes when needed. Take frequent breaks during activities requiring prolonged joint use.
Home Modifications
Consider modifications to make daily activities easier, such as installing grab bars in bathrooms, using raised toilet seats, adding lever-style door handles instead of knobs, or using reaching aids to avoid excessive bending or stretching.
Stress Management
Chronic pain can lead to stress and depression. Practice relaxation techniques, including meditation, deep breathing, or gentle yoga. Maintain social connections and engage in enjoyable activities. Consider counseling or support groups if pain significantly affects mental health.
When to Seek Medical Care
Consult a healthcare provider for persistent joint pain, stiffness, or swelling lasting several weeks that interferes with daily activities. Seek immediate medical attention for sudden, severe joint pain, visible joint deformity, complete inability to move a joint, or signs of infection, including fever, chills, or significant redness and warmth around the joint.
Find Expert Osteoarthritis Treatment in Wayne, NJ
If you are experiencing persistent joint pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility from osteoarthritis, a professional evaluation can determine the extent of joint damage and guide appropriate treatment. Early intervention and comprehensive management help maintain function and quality of life.
Our experienced orthopedic specialists in Wayne, NJ, provide personalized treatment plans for osteoarthritis, from conservative management to advanced surgical options, helping you manage symptoms and stay active.
Call Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey today at (973) 989-0888 or use our online appointment request form to schedule a consultation and discuss the best treatment approach for your osteoarthritis.
