Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis. Osteoarthritis commonly develops from the age of 45, although it can occur in younger people. Many of us will have symptoms as we age.

Osteoarthritis has a reputation of being a disabling disease. While some people experience constant pain, others are only troubled by joint stiffness from time to time.

A breakdown of the cartilage
A joint is the meeting point of two bones to allow movement. Cartilage is the firm cushion found covering the ends on the two bones that stops them from grating against each other.

The joint is wrapped inside a tough capsule that is filled with synovial fluid. This fluid lubricates the joint and keeps it moving smoothly. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage becomes brittle and breaks down. Some pieces of cartilage may even break away and float around inside the synovial fluid. This can lead to inflammation. Eventually, the cartilage can break down so much that it no longer cushions the two bones.

Symptoms can vary
The symptoms of osteoarthritis can vary from one person to the next. Some of the more common symptoms include:

• Stiffness
• Joint pain
• Muscle weakness.

• Hands – usually the end finger joints.
• Spine – in the neck or lower back.
• Hips – older people are most at risk.
• Knees – might be caused by an old injury.

• A family history of osteoarthritis
• A previous injury or overuse of the joint
• Being overweight.

• Maximise the health of the cartilage
• Maintain joint movement
• Improve muscle strength.
• As cartilage doesn’t have a blood supply it relies on the synovial fluid moving in and out of the joint to nourish it and take away its wastes.

• Education – find out about your condition. Arthritis Victoria can provide you with information and self-management courses that support you with its management.
• Weight management – controlling weight is important for those who are overweight and have osteoarthritis affecting the weight-bearing joints. Your doctor or dietitian may be able to advise you on safe weight loss strategies.
• Medication – pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications can help, as advised by your doctor.
• Relaxation techniques – for example muscle relaxation, meditation or visualisation. These techniques can help manage pain and the difficult emotions, such as anxiety, which are sometimes experienced by people with arthritis.
• Support – seek support from others including family, friends, work colleagues and health professionals. A support or self-help group may be another option – contact Arthritis Victoria for details of support groups.
• Surgery – to replace hip and knee joints, in cases of advanced osteoarthritis.
• Patella taping, knee braces and orthotics – may be useful in the management of knee osteoarthritis. Seek advice from a physiotherapist.
• Equipment that promotes independence – there are many specially designed aids and types of equipment available to assist people with painful joints. The design of this equipment, such as large-handled kitchen utensils, reduces the strain on joints by distributing the load over a larger surface area. For more information, speak with an occupational therapist.

• Your doctor
• Arthritis Victoria Tel. (03) 8531 8000 or 1800 011 041

• Osteoarthritis is a breakdown of the cartilage inside a joint.
• People over 45 are more at risk, but young people can be affected too.
• Exercise is one of the best ways to manage osteoarthritis.

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