Osteoarthritis (Arthritis)
Osteoarthritis, often simply called arthritis, is the most common type of joint disease. It occurs when the protective cartilage in your joints wears down over time. Cartilage is a smooth, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones, allowing them to glide over each other without pain. When cartilage is damaged, bones rub together, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Osteoarthritis usually develops slowly and often affects joints that bear weight, like the knees, hips, and spine, but it can also affect the hands, fingers, and other joints.
What Causes Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis develops due to a combination of factors:
• Aging: The risk increases with age because cartilage naturally wears down over time.
• Joint Injury: Previous injuries from accidents, sports, or repetitive movements can lead to early arthritis.
• Obesity: Extra weight puts more stress on weight-bearing joints like knees and hips.
• Genetics: Some families have a higher tendency to develop arthritis.
• Joint Overuse: Certain occupations or sports that involve repetitive joint use can contribute.
• Other Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes or inflammatory diseases may increase risk.
Common Symptoms
Osteoarthritis can affect one or several joints. Symptoms usually develop slowly and include:
• Joint pain, especially after activity or at the end of the day
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for long periods
• Swelling around the joint
• Reduced flexibility or range of motion
• A grating or crunching sensation in the joint (crepitus)
• Bone spurs (hard lumps near the joint in advanced cases)
Symptoms often worsen gradually and can interfere with daily activities.
How Is Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?
Doctors usually diagnose osteoarthritis with a combination of:
• Medical history: Asking about symptoms, joint pain patterns, and family history
• Physical examination: Checking joint tenderness, swelling, and flexibility
• Imaging tests: X-rays or MRI may show cartilage loss, bone changes, or joint space narrowing
• Lab tests: Blood tests are generally normal in osteoarthritis but may be done to rule out other types of arthritis
How Is Osteoarthritis Treated?
There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but symptoms can be managed effectively. The goal is to reduce pain, maintain joint function, and improve quality of life.
1. Lifestyle and Self-Care
• Exercise: Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling strengthen muscles around joints and improve flexibility
• Weight management: Losing excess weight reduces stress on joints
• Physical therapy: Helps improve joint mobility and teaches exercises to reduce strain
• Assistive devices: Braces, canes, or shoe inserts can reduce pressure on joints.
2. Medications
• Pain relievers: Paracetamol (acetaminophen) or NSAIDs like
ibuprofen help reduce pain and inflammation
• Topical creams or gels: Applied to painful joints for relief
• Topical creams or gels: Applied to painful joints for relief
• Corticosteroid injections: Sometimes used for short-term relief in severely inflamed joints.
3. Surgery
Surgery is considered when other treatments fail:
• Joint replacement (hip or knee): Replacing damaged joints with
artificial ones
• Joint fusion: Fusing bones in severely damaged joints to reduce pain
• Arthroscopy: Minor procedures to clean joint debris (less common nowadays)
Preventing Osteoarthritis
While you cannot completely prevent osteoarthritis, certain measures reduce risk and slow
progression:
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid joint injuries and use protective gear during sports
• Stay active with regular exercise
• Take breaks from repetitive joint movements
• Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D for bone health
Who Is at Risk?
• Older adults (most cases develop after age 50)
• Women (especially after menopause)
• Overweight or obese individuals
• People with previous joint injuries
• Those with a family history of osteoarthritis
Complications
• Chronic pain affecting daily life
• Reduced mobility and flexibility
• Difficulty performing routine tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or
gripping objects
• Psychological effects like depression due to chronic pain
Final Thoughts
Osteoarthritis is a common, chronic condition that worsens gradually, but early management can make a huge difference. With proper care, including exercise, weight management, medications, and sometimes surgery, people can continue an active and independent life.
Regular checkups and proactive self-care are key to maintaining joint health and preventing severe disability.
At Airside Medical Centre, our GP team in Swords, North Dublin is here to provide care, advice, and treatment—even out of hours.
Find us at Airside Medical Centre, 1st Floor Medical Suite, Link Road, Holywell, Swords, Dublin. 
Call us or book online