What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a joint condition that affects not just cartilage but the entire joint structure, including bones, ligaments, and muscles. While often labelled as “wear and tear,” it’s better understood as a joint working overtime to repair itself.

In OA, the cartilage that cushions your joints can break down, leading to symptoms such as:

  • Pain, stiffness, or swelling in the joints
  • A feeling of instability, like locking or giving way

OA most commonly affects the hands, knees, hips, and spine. However, you may not always experience symptoms, even if OA is present.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of OA vary from person to person. Your symptoms will also depend on which joints are affected. OA tends to come on slowly, over months or even years. The most common symptoms are pain and stiffness of the joints. These sensations are usually worse with activity initially but can be more constant in later disease. These symptoms may affect your ability to do normal daily activities, such as walking, climbing stairs and opening jars. Other symptoms may include clicking noises, grating sensations, or a loss of flexibility in a joint.

These symptoms can progress, but there are effective strategies to manage them or slow the disease progression down.

What causes it?

Your GP will diagnose OA through a combination of symptom assessment, physical examination, and, if necessary, imaging like x-rays. Keep in mind:

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A stylised icon of a row of people all stood in front of each other, arms out Causes

  1. Knees: being overweight; having a previous knee injury; jobs involving kneeling; climbing and squatting.

  2. Hips: being overweight; having a previous hip injury; jobs involving lifting heavy loads (including farming); a family history of OA.

  3. Hands: a family history of OA; repetitive use or previous injuries to the hands; being overweight.

What factors increase my risk of osteoarthritis?

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Family history

Genetics can play a role in joint health and cartilage strength.

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Gender

Females have a higher incidence of osteoarthritis

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Age

It is more common as we get older

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Injury

Overuse or injury to joints

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Weight

Being overweight or obese

Other Common Questions

Your doctor will diagnose OA from your symptoms and a physical examination. An x-ray may show the narrowing and changes in the shape of your joint. However, x-rays do not diagnose how much trouble you will have. An x-ray that shows joint damage does not always mean you will have a lot of pain or problems. On the other hand your joint may be very painful despite x-rays being normal. Blood tests are only helpful to rule out other types of arthritis.

The impact of OA on your normal activities and lifestyle depends on which joints are affected. However the outlook for most people with OA is very positive. For many people OA will be mild and not cause major problems. OA of the hip and knee can sometimes cause severe disability and surgery to replace joints may be necessary. Joint surgery is usually only an option if less invasive treatments, such as weight loss, exercise, and medicines, have failed to control your symptoms.

Currently there is no cure for OA. While there are treatments that can effectively control symptoms, you should be wary of products or therapies that claim to cure OA.

Treatments for OA vary depending on which joints are affected and the severity of your condition. There is no way of predicting exactly which treatment will work best for you. Each treatment has its own benefits and risks. Your doctor may need to trial several different treatments before finding the one that is right for you.

There’s no cure for OA, but a combination of treatments can help you live well. These include:

  • Weight management: Losing excess weight reduces strain on your joints.
  • Exercise: Tailored programs improve flexibility, strength, and overall joint health.
  • Pain management: Medications, non-drug therapies, and mindset shifts can help you cope.
  • Assistive devices: Braces, insoles, or walking aids reduce stress on your joints.
  • Surgery: Joint replacement may be an option for severe cases after other treatments are exhausted.

Firstly, make sure you have an accurate diagnosis. It is best to visit your general practitioner (GP) first, to get appropriate tests and to come up with a treatment plan.

You are the most important member of your healthcare team. Your team may also involve:

  • Your GP
  • Specialists (such as rheumatologists and orthopaedic specialists)
  • Allied health professionals (such as physiotherapists, dietitians, and occupational therapists to provide targeted support
  • Community organisations that may support you physically or mentally
  • Your friends and family who support you

See your doctor for treatment and advice –

Your doctor will help you get the right treatment to manage your symptoms. See the Working with your healthcare team information sheet.

Learn about OA and play an active role in your treatment –

Not all information you read or hear about is trustworthy so always talk to your doctor or healthcare team about treatments you are thinking about trying. Self management courses aim to help you develop skills to be actively involved in your healthcare. Contact us for details of these courses.

Learn ways to manage pain –

Refer to the information sheet Dealing with Pain.

Stay active –

Exercise is strongly recommended for people with OA. It keeps your joints and muscles healthy and flexible and prevents other health problems. Contact The Arthritis Movement on 1300 275 826 for information about our gentle exercise classes – with information also provided throughout this website. You also may find it useful to see a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist for advice. See the Physical Activity and Working with your healthcare team information sheets.

Have a healthy diet –

There is no diet that will cure OA, but a diet aimed at maintaining an ideal body weight is recommended. See the Healthy Eating information sheet.

Balance your life –

Learn about equipment that makes daily tasks easier and how to balance rest and activity. See the Fatigue & Arthritis information sheet.

Acknowledge your feelings and seek support –

As there is currently no cure for OA, it is natural to feel scared, frustrated, sad and sometimes angry. Be aware of these feelings and get help if they start affecting your daily life. See the Emotional Wellbeing information sheet.

Downloads

Osteoarthritis information sheet

This sheet has been written for people affected by osteoarthritis. It provides general information to help you understand how osteoarthritis affects you and what you can do to manage it. It also tells you where to find further information and advice.

Osteoarthritis Booklet

This booklet is designed for people who have osteoarthritis. It will help you understand your condition so that you can better manage your symptoms and continue to lead an active and healthy life.