Nurse's Guide: What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a diagnosis related to the "wear and tear" of the tissues in your joints. 

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and happens most often in those 50 or older.

What Joints Are Most Affected By Arthritis?

The most frequently affected joints are:

• Knees -  may sound like they are "grinding" or feel like they are "scraping another bone."

• Hips – may have pain in the groin, buttocks, or at the top side of the leg

• Neck – may feel like "popping" or "grinding" when the head changes position

• Lower back – may have limited movement bending over or lifting

• Hands (often at the base of the thumb and the ends of the fingers and thumbs) – may feel "bumps" on the knuckles, swelling, redness, and tenderness.

• Feet –  may have pain, swelling in the ankles, or tenderness of the big toe

How is Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?

Osteoarthritis can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. Sometimes, people with osteoarthritis cannot work or perform their daily tasks. They see their doctor to discuss what is happening.

A doctor will diagnose osteoarthritis by:

• Reviewing your symptoms.

• Doing a "hands-on" exam where they may move your joint through many positions.

• Pressing on the joints.

• X-rays may be done to see how badly the bone is affected.

• Lab tests may be done.

Osteoarthritis is a disease that affects all parts of the joint and can break down cartilage, change the shape of the bones, and cause swelling and red, “angry" tissues. You may feel the joint is loose or will "give out" on you. 

This results in pain, loss of motion or mobility, and joint stiffness. 

Osteoarthritis typically happens over time but can progress rapidly if an injury causes it. So, this type of arthritis does not always happen to those over 50.

Causes of Osteoarthritis

Overuse, aging, and past injuries are reasons we develop osteoarthritis in a joint. 

Other reasons include:

• Being overweight

• Joints that have not formed correctly

• Family history of osteoarthritis

• Sex – women, age 50 or over, are more likely to have osteoarthritis than men

• Race – many Asian populations have little to no osteoarthritis

• Environmental – jobs that require repeated movement, more activity, and quadricep (the muscles in your thighs) strength. 

Key Points to Remember

• We cannot cure osteoarthritis, but you can manage the symptoms.

• You can help osteoarthritis pain by resting during prolonged activities.

• Discuss your symptoms with your physician and talk about the treatment options.

Be a Part of the Solution

There are ongoing research studies about osteoarthritis.

Please give us your thoughts and insight into this topic.

Complete this short questionnaire that takes only a few minutes so researchers can understand your needs and experiences to create a solution to this disease.

Remember:

• Your answers are confidential and anonymous.

• The questionnaire takes just a few minutes to complete

• Every voice counts – including yours!