Understanding Osteoarthritis – Symptoms, Causes & the Latest Treatments

Learn about the cutting edge injections for pain relief to maintain an active lifestyle

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is a type of arthritis that affects millions of people worldwide. It is the most common form of arthritis and is characterized by the breakdown of the cartilage in the joints, leading to pain and stiffness. The joints most commonly affected by osteoarthritis are the hips, knees, and hands, although any joint in the body can be affected. The cartilage acts as a cushion between the bones, allowing for smooth and pain-free movement. In osteoarthritis, this cartilage becomes damaged and wears away, causing the bones to rub against each other and leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

What are the symptoms of Osteoarthritis?

The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

• Pain in the affected joint, especially during and after movement
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time
• Swelling in the affected joint
• Decreased range of motion and mobility
• A grinding sensation or crunchy sound (crepitus) when moving the affected joint

How is Osteoarthritis diagnosed?

To determine if you have osteoarthritis, your doctor may perform a combination of physical exams, medical history review, and imaging tests. Some common tests used to diagnose osteoarthritis include:

Physical examination: Your doctor may examine your joints for pain, swelling, and signs of degeneration. They may ask what movements cause your pain and ask what functional limitations you may have (ex: the inability to squat pain-free, raise your arm above shoulder height etc.)

X-rays: X-rays can provide images of the bones and joints, which can help to identify any loss of cartilage, joint space narrowing, or bone spurs that are commonly seen in osteoarthritis.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI can provide detailed images of the joints and surrounding tissues, which can help to detect early signs of osteoarthritis.

CT scan (Computed Tomography): A CT scan can provide a more detailed view of the bones and joints than X-rays, which can help to diagnose osteoarthritis and assess the extent of joint damage.

Blood tests: Blood tests can be used to rule out other conditions that may cause joint pain and swelling, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Based on the results of these tests, your doctor can diagnose osteoarthritis and recommend the appropriate treatment. It is important to note that no single test can definitively diagnose osteoarthritis, and a combination of tests may be necessary to reach a diagnosis.

What causes Osteoarthritis?

The exact cause of osteoarthritis is not fully understood, but it is thought to result from a combination of factors including:

• Age: As we age, the cartilage in our joints naturally begins to wear away, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis. People of all ages can be affected by Osteoarthritis, but it is most common in older adults, especially those over the age of 65. The risk of developing osteoarthritis increases with age, due to the natural wear and tear on the joints over time. Learn more at Arthritis by the Numbers.
• Genetics: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to developing osteoarthritis.
• Joint injury: Previous injury to a joint, such as a fracture, can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis in that joint.
• Overuse: Repeated strain on a joint, such as from playing a sport or having a physically demanding job, can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.
• Obesity: Excess weight puts additional stress on weight-bearing joints, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.
• Men vs Women: Osteoarthritis affects both men and women, but it is more common in women. This may be due to a combination of factors, including hormonal changes.

What are some treatment options for people suffering from Osteoarthritis?

Treatment for arthritis aims to reduce pain, improve joint function, and slow the progression of the disease. Some common treatment options for people suffering from arthritis include:

Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can be used to reduce pain and swelling. In more severe cases, prescription pain medications or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may be recommended.

Exercise: Regular physical activity can help improve joint flexibility and reduce pain. Gentle exercises including low impact, such as walking, swimming, and stretching are recommended for people with osteoarthritis. Haven’t worked out in a while? Check out these 7 tips before you start exercising.

Physical Therapy: Physical therapy (PT) can help improve joint function, reduce pain, increase strength and balance, improve flexibility, and increase mobility. A physical therapist can work with you to develop an exercise program that is tailored to your individual needs. For more information on how physical therapy can help you manage osteoarthritis, check Physical Therapy Guide to Osteoarthritis.

Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy (OT) can help people with osteoarthritis manage their daily activities and reduce the impact of the disease on their daily life.  OT can provide alternative strategies to help with bathing, dressing, and grooming tasks that require the use of painful joints with limited range of motion. They are experts at providing solutions for activities of daily living that make life easier and less painful.

Assistive devices: Canes, braces, or other assistive devices like walkers can help reduce stress on the affected joint and improve mobility.

Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the stress on weight-bearing joints (foot/ankle, knees and hips) and slow the progression of arthritis.

Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to replace the affected joint with an artificial one. Most folks will know that osteoarthritis has progressed to a point that their quality of life has diminished and their pain is unbearable. If you are at this point, please speak with your doctor to determine what your options are.

Corticosteroid Injections: For some folks, corticosteroids may be recommended for the temporary relief of pain. There are pros and cons to using them and your physician will explain in more detail the reasoning.

Regenerative Injections:  Recent research is showing some good results with Regenerative injections that may provide pain relief and restore function.  Regenerative injections include:

• Viscosupplementation (ex: Hyaluronic Acid) that has great success in decreasing pain and consequently improving function of the once painful joint. There is a good chance insurance will cover it so check with your physician and insurance company for details.
• Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP) injection uses the patient’s own blood (plasma) to retrieve a concentrated grouping of platelets. The platelets are then reinjected directly into the diseased or injured joint. As a result, this process releases growth factors that stimulate the number of reparative cells your body produces. Insurance likely will not cover it and injections can range between $500-$1500.
• Prolotherapy is the injection of a solution (dextrose) to stimulate the growth of new cells to heal painful areas. This causes a mild inflammation in the area which is the first step in the healing process. This is not typically covered by insurance and injections can start at $150 per injection.
• Stem cell therapy is a cutting edge type of injection that uses the body’s own healthy stem cells to regenerate and repair diseased spinal tissue. It is not without controversy and the verdict is out on its efficacy. It may be a choice offered when other conservative methods have not provided pain relief. Insurance will likely not cover it and it can be quite expensive.

Alternative therapies: Some people with osteoarthritis find relief from alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, and heat therapy.

Can vitamins or minerals help with Osteoarthritis?

While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are several vitamins and minerals that can help manage the symptoms and support overall joint health. Some of the key vitamins and minerals for osteoarthritis include:

Vitamin D: Vitamin D is essential for bone health and helps the body absorb calcium, which is needed to maintain strong bones.

Calcium: Calcium is important for maintaining strong bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

Magnesium: Magnesium helps regulate calcium levels in the body and is involved in the maintenance of healthy bones.

Glucosamine: Glucosamine is a natural substance found in the body and is used as a supplement to support joint health.

Chondroitin: Chondroitin is a naturally occurring substance found in cartilage that can help support joint health.

It is important to note that while these vitamins and minerals may help manage symptoms, they should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. Additionally, not all supplements are safe or effective for everyone, so it is important to consult with a doctor before taking any new supplement. Your doctor can help determine if these vitamins and minerals are appropriate for you and what the appropriate dosages should be.

What foods can help with Osteoarthritis?

There are several foods that can help manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis and support overall joint health. Some of the best foods for osteoarthritis include:

• Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables, especially those that are high in antioxidants, can help reduce inflammation and support overall joint health.
• Fatty Fish: Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, and flax seeds, are high in healthy fats and antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation.
• Whole Grains: Whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole-grain bread, are high in fiber and essential vitamins and minerals, which can help support overall joint health.
• Lean Proteins: Lean proteins, such as chicken, turkey, and fish, provide the body with the building blocks it needs to repair and regenerate joint tissue.

Please be aware that everyone’s nutritional needs are different, so it is best to consult with a doctor or registered dietitian to determine the best diet for you. They can help you determine what foods and nutrients are best for your individual needs and health status.

While osteoarthritis can be a normal part of aging, suffering from it is not. If you have painful joints that affect your quality of life, speak with your doctor to determine if you have osteoarthritis. Seek out treatment options and lifestyle modifications to help decrease your pain and improve joint function so you can get back to enjoying your favorite things in life. You can find more information about Arthritis pain: Understanding the Chronic Joint Condition in this article.