What is Osteoarthritis?
The causes of OA are not fully understood but the main associations are:
- High BMI, occupation, age, genetics, sex (females more likely), Race (Afro-Caribbean less likely).
- Knee OA is most common at 240/100 000 incidence.
What are the causes of Osteoarthritis?
The causes of OA are not fully understood but the main associations are:
- High BMI, occupation, age, genetics, sex (females more likely), Race (Afro-Caribbean less likely).
- Knee OA is most common at 240/100 000 incidence.
What are the symptoms of Osteoarthritis?
The main symptoms are:
- Pain on walking and when severe, pain at night and disturbed sleep
- Swelling
- Reduced range of movement / stiffness
- Reduced ability to walk and exercise
Pain leads to less use of the joint, resulting in stiffness of the surrounding tissues and a worsening of the movement around the joint. The less the joint is moved, the weaker the muscles become, which means further load on a diseased joint and worsening of the vicious cycle.
How is Osteoarthritis diagnosed?
You will be fully assessed with a thorough history and clinical examination.
X-rays are routinely carried out to look for the pathology in the joint.
The classic x-ray signs are:
- Joint space narrowing
- Osteophyte formation
- Sub-chondral cysts
- Sclerosis (hardening of the bone).
Sometimes, MRI scan is required to look at the joint in more detail to decide the best course of treatment.
Based on the findings, the correct treatment will be recommended.