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Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a long-term joint condition that can cause pain, stiffness and reduced movement. Knees, hips and fingers are often affected.

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  • Osteoarthritis affects the whole joint: cartilage, bone, the joint capsule, muscles and nerve processing change.
  • Pain with use, brief stiffness when starting to move and reduced movement are common, but scan or X-ray changes do not precisely predict symptoms.
  • Movement usually does not damage a joint with osteoarthritis; appropriately built-up exercise therapy is a core treatment.
  • If you are overweight, weight loss may improve pain and functioning, particularly with knee and hip osteoarthritis.
  • Pain treatment is tailored to risks. At joints near the skin, topical NSAID gel often has fewer whole-body side effects than tablets.
  • Injections may help temporarily in selected situations; evidence for supplements and 'cartilage repair' products is often limited.
  • Surgery is discussed for severe, persistent symptoms and loss of function despite good non-surgical treatment.
  • A suddenly red, hot joint, fever, serious injury or sudden loss of strength or sensation is not typical of ordinary osteoarthritis and needs prompt assessment.

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Further reading

Browse A–Z
K
Knee osteoarthritisKnee osteoarthritis can cause pain, stiffness, swelling and difficulty walking, standing up or using stairs. Adapted activity is a central part of treatment.
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Psoriatic arthritisPsoriatic arthritis is long-term joint inflammation that can occur with psoriasis. Joint symptoms sometimes start before clear skin patches appear.
B
Bacterial joint infection (septic arthritis)A bacterial joint infection, also called septic arthritis, is a serious infection that can quickly damage a joint. Sudden severe pain and swelling in a joint need urgent assessment.