Osteoarthritis is a common joint condition that affects millions of people, especially as they age. This type of arthritis occurs when the cartilage cushioning the ends of your bones gradually becomes thinner or more patchy. The result? Painful, stiff joints that can make even daily tasks feel difficult. Recognising the early signs of osteoarthritis can help you manage the symptoms and seek proper treatment. Here’s a guide to the five top facts about osteoarthritis that everyone should know.

 

1. Persistent joint Pain: 

Pain is often the first noticeable sign of osteoarthritis. You might feel discomfort in certain joints after using them, such as in your knees, hips, hands, or lower back. The pain can vary; at first, it might feel like a dull ache, but it tends to get worse over time and with activity. Some patients also experience flareups of their symptoms over a period of time before settling again. However, pain is not the only symptom of osteoarthritis other common symptoms include morning stiffness, sometimes joint swelling, reduced range of motion and sometimes crepitus (clicking or grinding).

Key Takeaway: If you’re experiencing frequent joint pain, especially after movement, it’s worth considering whether you may have osteoarthritis.

 

2. Variable symptoms:

If osteoarthritis has been detected by a medical examination or x-ray, having worsening pain overtime or having pain at all is not a full conclusion. A certain percentage of patients in the UK who have osteoarthritis don’t develop any symptoms the reason for this is not fully known, but it appears That symptom severity can vary greatly from one person to the next and overtime. For patients who are experiencing acute flareup the recommendation is to settle that flareup down with relative rest and sometimes non-steroidal anti-inflammatories or a steroid injection as directed by their pharmacist or healthcare professional.

Key Takeaway: symptoms rarely follow a linear pattern of progression overtime. Managing flareups if they occur is an important part of effective treatment.

 

3. Activity doesn’t wear out the joints:

We used to think that activity would wear out the joints, but more up-to-date research has indicated that physical activity and exercise such as walking, running or sports can actually be healthy for the joints. The current national guidelines on osteoarthritis also name physical activity and avoiding being sedentary as one of the key ways to help manage osteoarthritis symptoms.

Key Takeaway: physical activity in the main is more likely to help rather than hinder and doesn’t appear to make arthritis worse.

 

4. Muscle strengthening:

We used to think that the symptoms of osteoarthritis were isolated to the joint itself, and with no current medical cure for osteoarthritis some patients can feel an inevitability to symptoms and their progression. More up-to-date research has indicated that many patients can manage or even improve their symptoms over a period of time with a muscle strengthening regime. Exactly why this improves joint symptoms is not fully understood but one theory is that the muscles being stronger supports the joint better and thereby helps with symptoms. Many patients seek help from a physiotherapist for guidance on how best to strengthen the muscles in their particular case.

Key Takeaway: how the muscles around the joints are functioning appears to influence osteoarthritis related symptoms, therefore muscle strengthening is encouraged and could make a real difference.

5. Joint replacements have their role to play:

Certain joints in the body (commonly the hip and knee) can benefit from joint replacement surgery. Some patients with osteoarthritis will live their entire life and never need to have a joint replacement. The factors surrounding whether or not a patient would be a good candidate are multifaceted, including how long they’ve had symptoms for, what they’ve tried so far, how much the condition is impacting their daily life, their preference in treatment options and the potential risks associated with the surgery. This is something that is usually discussed with a healthcare professional such as a GP or physiotherapist to best understand the context and individual circumstances.

Key Takeaway: for some patients a joint replacement can give them a new lease of life but understanding the risks and benefits can be complex and his best done in consultation with a healthcare professional.

What should I do if I notice these signs?

Osteoarthritis develops gradually, so the earlier you can spot the signs, the better your chances of managing it effectively. If you notice one or more of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or physiotherapist, who may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or therapy to help manage your joints and reduce discomfort. Being aware of these warning signs and acting early can go a long way toward maintaining an active, comfortable life with healthy joints.