Osteoarthritis.

Overview

Osteoarthritis affects joints through changes in cartilage and other joint tissues and may cause pain, stiffness and reduced movement.

A condition may appear differently between people, so a symptom list alone cannot establish a diagnosis. Age, medical history and other circumstances affect assessment.

Signs and symptoms

Osteoarthritis may cause joint pain with activity, stiffness after rest, tenderness, reduced range of motion or a grinding sensation. Commonly affected joints include knees, hips, hands and spine. Persistent swelling, warmth or sudden worsening may point to another problem and should not automatically be attributed to osteoarthritis.

Causes and risk factors

Age, previous joint injury, joint loading and genetics can contribute.

Risk factors do not guarantee that a person will develop this condition, and a diagnosis can occur even without obvious risk factors.

Diagnosis and tests

Assessment involves examination and, when needed, imaging; symptoms do not always match the appearance of an X-ray.

Tests are chosen for the individual situation. No picture or AI-generated response can confirm this condition.

Care and treatment

Strengthening, appropriate activity, weight management when relevant, pain relief and joint support may help; surgery is considered for selected cases.

Treatment plans must consider severity, other illnesses, medication safety and personal preferences. Do not start or change prescribed treatment using this article alone.

Prevention and daily living

Joint-friendly movement, strength and mobility work, appropriate load management and physiotherapy may improve function. Discuss aids, pain-relief options and when surgical evaluation makes sense.

Individual care plans may differ, particularly in pregnancy, childhood, older age or when other illnesses are present. The linked clinical source provides more context.

When to seek help

Sudden severe swelling, a hot red joint, fever or inability to bear weight requires assessment for other conditions.

If symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening or you feel unsafe, seek local emergency services. Do not wait for an online reply.

Questions for a clinician

What evidence supports this diagnosis? What tests are necessary? Which treatment options fit my situation? What should I monitor? When should I return or seek urgent help?