Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, occurring when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time. It primarily affects the hands, knees, hips, and spine, causing pain and stiffness.
Overview
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, occurring when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time. It primarily affects the hands, knees, hips, and spine, causing pain and stiffness.
Symptoms
Click any symptom to analyzeCauses
- •Wear and tear of joint cartilage over time
- •Previous joint injuries or fractures
- •Repetitive stress from work or sports
Risk factors
- •Advancing age
- •Obesity
- •Genetics and family history
- •Joint deformities or metabolic diseases
How it progresses
3 stages- OnsetSymptoms appear, often triggered by a known cause.Often missed
- Active phaseSymptoms peak; self-care or short treatment usually helps.
- ResolutionSymptoms ease over days to weeks with proper care.
How it's diagnosed
- •Physical exam of joint mobility and swelling
- •X-rays to check for bone spurs and joint space narrowing
- •MRI for detailed imaging of cartilage and soft tissue
Treatment options
General educational information only — no dosage advice. Always follow guidance from a qualified clinician.
- •Physical therapy to strengthen muscles around joints
- •Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or NSAIDs
- •Corticosteroid or lubrication injections
- •Joint replacement surgery for advanced cases
- •Low-impact exercise such as swimming or cycling
- •Weight management to reduce joint pressure
- •Using hot or cold packs for pain relief
Complications
- •Reduced mobility
- •Risk of falls
- •Blood clots if immobile
- •Recurrence of osteoarthritis
Prevention
- •Wear supportive footwear
- •Stretch and stay active
- •Maintain a healthy weight
When to seek help
- •Symptoms persist beyond a few days
- •Symptoms interfere with daily activities
- •New or worsening symptoms appear
- •Concerning changes related to osteoarthritis
- Joint pain that prevents sleep
- Inability to bear weight on a limb
- Sudden, severe swelling or redness in a joint
In any emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department.
Real-world questions
- ›Can Osteoarthritis cause headaches?
- ›Is Osteoarthritis reversible?
- ›How quickly does Osteoarthritis progress?
- ›Is Osteoarthritis hereditary?
- ›Can Osteoarthritis be prevented?
Compare conditions
Explore related symptoms
Frequently asked questions
Possible causes of Osteoarthritis include Wear and tear of joint cartilage over time, Previous joint injuries or fractures, Repetitive stress from work or sports.
Osteoarthritis is generally moderate, but severity can vary. Seek care if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Duration varies between individuals. Many cases improve with appropriate care, while others may persist longer and require ongoing management.
Some milder cases may improve with rest and self-care. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional.
Consider seeing a clinician if symptoms are severe, persistent, worsening, or if you have any concerns related to general.
Sources
Information based on general medical references such as:
Last reviewed: May 2026