Osteoarthritis, a form of arthritis or degenerative joint disease, occurs when the cartilage that normally cushions a joint becomes soft and breaks down. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of disability due to limitations of joint movement, particularly in people over 50. Osteoarthritis is mainly a disease of the hips, knees, hands, and backs. But it can happen in other joints too.

Causes

Osteoarthritis results from deterioration or loss of the cartilage that acts as a protective cushion between bones, particularly in weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips. Cartilage keeps the joint flexible and provides protection between the bones. When the cartilage breaks down, the bones rub against each other, resulting in pain and loss of movement. Bony spurs may form around the joint, causing pain and inflammation.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Pain: Your joints may ache, or the pain may feel burning or sharp. For some people, it may get better after a while. But if the pain starts keeping you awake, your arthritis is getting worse.
• Stiffness: When you have arthritis, getting up in the morning can be hard. Your joints may feel stiff and creaky for a short time, until you get moving.
• Muscle weakness: The muscles around the joint may get weaker. This happens a lot with arthritis in the knee.
• Cracking and creaking: Your joints may make crunching, creaking sounds.
• Swelling: Arthritis can cause swelling in joints, making them feel tender and sore.
• Deformed joints: Joints can start to look like they are the wrong shape, especially as arthritis gets worse.

Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, you can manage it in a way that minimizes symptoms. Your treatment regimen will focus on relieving pain, improving joint movement, and maintaining quality of life. If your pain is mild, you may only need pain medicines you can buy without a prescription. These include acetaminophen (such as Tylenol), aspirin, or ibuprofen.

If you are overweight, losing weight may be one of the best things you can do for your arthritis. It helps take some stress off your joints. Exercise is also good, because it can help make your muscles stronger. Having stronger thigh muscles, for example, can help reduce stress on your knees. Swimming, bicycling, and walking are good activities.