Osteoarthritis

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis develops when the protective cushioning (cartilage) that helps your joints move smoothly wears down. Without enough cushioning, the bones in that joint start to rub together when you move, causing significant pain.

Cartilage can deteriorate in any joint, but it’s most common in the knees, hips, spine, and hands. Osteoarthritis, or “wear and tear” arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis.

While there’s no cure, treatment can slow the condition and help you manage symptoms. Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight can help slow the progression of osteoarthritis and decrease pain.

At Mass General Brigham Orthopedics, you’ll have access to a dedicated team of orthopedic specialists who are committed to helping you manage osteoarthritis. You’ll benefit from a collaborative approach that brings together fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons, experienced rheumatologists, and skilled rehabilitation specialists. Together, they tailor a treatment plan to help you stay active and control your symptoms.

Call 857-282-3300 to schedule a consultation, or find an orthopedic specialist.

Osteoarthritis symptoms

Symptoms of osteoarthritis typically start mild and worsen gradually. You may have:

• Joint pain, especially with activity
• Joints that feel tender to the touch
• Crackling, clicking, or popping when you move
• Stiffness and limited range of motion
• Swelling
• Bone spurs (osteophytes), which are hard lumps that can form around the joint

What causes osteoarthritis?

A layer of tissue called cartilage lines all of your joints. Cartilage helps absorb shock and allows your joint to glide smoothly. Osteoarthritis develops when cartilage wears away.

It’s common for cartilage to wear out as you get older. Other reasons for cartilage loss may include:

• Family history: People with a family history of osteoarthritis are more likely to develop it.
• Injuries: Any traumatic joint injury can raise the risk of osteoarthritis, even years later.
• Medical conditions: People with conditions like diabetes are more likely to have osteoarthritis.
• Repetitive stress: Activities that repetitively stress a joint might lead to osteoarthritis. For example, running regularly stresses the knees.
• Sex: Women are more likely to get osteoarthritis.
• Weight: Carrying extra weight puts pressure on your joints and can lead to osteoarthritis.

Diagnosing osteoarthritis

Diagnosing osteoarthritis starts with discussing your symptoms. An orthopedic specialist will ask how long you’ve had symptoms and whether anything relieves them. They’ll also examine your joint for swelling, tenderness, and range of motion.

Most people get imaging tests, such as an X-ray, to get a clear picture of the joint and confirm the diagnosis.

In some circumstances your doctor may also order additional tests, including:

• Blood tests to rule out other reasons for joint pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Joint aspiration to draw fluid from the joint and rule out other causes of joint pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or infections

If joint pain is interfering with your daily life, request an appointment with a Mass General Brigham orthopedic specialist today by calling 857-282-3300.

Osteoarthritis treatment

Osteoarthritis treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. Your care team will personalize options based on your symptoms, activity level, and goals.

Medications

Orthopedic specialists often recommend starting treatment with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as:

• Diclofenac gel: a topical pain medication that may relief pain and swelling
• Acetaminophen: May help reduce mild to moderate pain
• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen): Help relieve pain and swelling

Exercise and therapy

Staying active is one of the most effective ways to manage osteoarthritis. Low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, or yoga can build strength without stressing your joints.

It’s often helpful to work with a therapist:

• Occupational therapy: An occupational therapist helps you find ways to perform your daily tasks without increasing pain. For example, a shower bench may help with knee osteoarthritis, or tools to assist grip strength may help with hand osteoarthritis.
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist teaches you exercises to strengthen and stabilize the joint and improve flexibility. You often see a physical therapist weekly and practice prescribed exercises at home between sessions.

Injections

An orthopedic specialist may offer an injection of cortisone or hyaluronic acid. These injections can help reduce inflammation and pain from osteoarthritis. Relief may last weeks to months.

Surgery

Most people manage osteoarthritis without surgery. But if nonsurgical treatments don’t bring relief, an orthopedic surgeon may suggest other options.

Surgery for osteoarthritis may include:

• Joint replacement: A surgeon removes the damaged joint and replaces it with metal and plastic parts. Hip and knee replacements are the most common types of joint replacement surgery. Read how joint replacement can help people with arthritis.
• Osteotomy: An osteotomy may be an option for some people with knee osteoarthritis. During the procedure, a surgeon removes or adds a wedge of bone to the knee to help realign and stabilize it.
• Joint fusion: In certain joints in the hand and wrist, a surgeon fuses the arthritic joints together to relieve pain and improve function.

Learn about advanced joint replacement surgery at Mass General Brigham.

Living well with osteoarthritis

You can live a full, active life with osteoarthritis. Many people manage symptoms successfully with a mix of lifestyle changes and medical care.

Tips include:

• Stay active with joint-friendly exercise
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Use ice or heat for arthritis pain relief
• Use supportive devices (canes, braces, or grip aids) when needed
• Eat a balanced diet for bone and joint health

Our orthopedic specialists, therapists, and dietitians work together to help you stay active and independent.

When to see a doctor for osteoarthritis

Call a specialist if you have:

• Joint pain that doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter medication
• Stiffness that limits your daily activities
• Swelling, warmth, or tenderness that lasts more than a few days

Talking to your doctor early can prevent long-term damage.

FAQs about osteoarthritis