Osteoarthritis – symptoms, causes, and ways to cope

From restless.co.uk

Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes joint pain and stiffness. According to the NHS, it’s the most common type of arthritis in the UK and affects over 9 million people.

The condition can significantly affect a person’s mobility, mental wellbeing, and overall quality of life, so taking steps to prevent or manage symptoms can make a real difference.

Here, we’ll cover exactly what osteoarthritis is – including symptoms, causes, prevention, and tips for coping. We hope you find it useful.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis causes joints to become stiff and painful. It initially affects the smooth cartilage of our joints (which lines the surface and caps the ends of our bones), making it more difficult to move. Once the cartilage lining has begun to thin, tendons and ligaments have to work harder to move joints, which can cause them to swell and develop bony lumps (osteophytes).

Osteoarthritis can affect almost any joint in the body, but most commonly occurs in the hands, fingers, hips, knees, shoulders, and spine (typically the neck or lower back). While it can affect people of any age, it’s most common in older adults.

Osteoarthritis is often confused with osteoporosis because people can have both conditions simultaneously; however, each is distinct. While osteoarthritis causes pain in joints and reduces their function and mobility, osteoporosis is caused by a loss of bone mass, which increases a person’s risk of fractures and injuries.

The condition also differs from rheumatoid arthritis, another form of arthritis that causes the immune system to attack joints, often leading to pain and swelling.

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Joint pain, stiffness, and reduced joint mobility are some of the most common osteoarthritis symptoms.

Other symptoms can include swelling and tenderness, as well as grating, clicking, cracking, or popping sounds when joints are moved. Some people may also have extra lumps of bone in their joints, or find that their joints look slightly bigger or more ‘knobbly’ than usual.

The severity of symptoms can vary from person to person and differ between individual joints. For example, some people might find that their symptoms come and go or are mild, while others may experience more severe, continuous symptoms that can make it difficult to carry out daily activities.

We’ll cover some of the main types of osteoarthritis below, along with their symptoms…

Osteoarthritis of the knee

Osteoarthritis of the knee can make walking painful, particularly when going up or down stairs or hills.

You may find it difficult to straighten your legs, hear grating sounds when you move the joint, or find that your knees feel like they might ‘give way’ beneath you.

Osteoarthritis of the knee usually affects both knees over time – unless it’s the result of an injury or other condition that only affected one knee.

Osteoarthritis of the hand

Osteoarthritis tends to affect three main areas of the hand – the base of the thumb, the middle joints of the fingers, and the joints closest to the fingertips.

Symptoms include fingers becoming stiff, painful, swollen, and bending slightly sideways. Some people may also have bumps on their finger joints or painful cysts on the back of their fingers. In some cases, a bump can also develop where the base of the thumb joins to your wrist.

Osteoarthritis of the hand can make it difficult to perform manual tasks such as opening jars, writing, and turning keys.

Osteoarthritis of the hip

Osteoarthritis of the hip can impact the movement of the hip joints – for example, making it tricky to get in and out of a car or put on shoes.

It can also cause pain in the groin or outer hip, which can intensify when you move around.

What causes osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is caused by joint damage. In part, this is a normal process of life, as our joints are exposed to constant low-level damage – for example, through everyday activities such as running, repetitive motions like typing, and sitting in a cramped position for long periods.

In most cases, the body repairs itself, and you won’t experience symptoms. However, osteoarthritis occurs when the damage is more severe, and the protective cartilage at the end of bones breaks down.

Damage to the protective cartilage can progress over time, which is why age is a major risk factor for osteoarthritis. That said, the condition can occur at any time, and there are several other risk factors to consider. These include…

• Obesity – being obese places excess strain on the joints, particularly on those responsible for bearing most weight, such as the hips and knees.

• Previous injury – for example, dislocated joints, torn cartilage, or ligament injuries – and overusing a joint when it hasn’t had enough time to heal.

• Other health conditions – osteoarthritis can occur in joints that have been damaged by another condition, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis. Diabetes has also been identified as a risk factor. In fact, according to experts, almost half of adults with diabetes also have arthritis.

• Family history – research suggests that osteoarthritis may run in families, although studies have yet to identify a single gene responsible for this.

• Gender – due to factors like menopause, which can cause loss of bone mass, women have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis than men.

• Occupation – having a job that involves kneeling, heavy lifting, climbing, or other similar physical actions can increase the risk of osteoarthritis by placing strain on joints.

How is osteoarthritis diagnosed and treated?

There’s no definitive test used to diagnose osteoarthritis. Instead, diagnosis will typically involve your GP asking questions about your symptoms and examining your joints.

Further tests, such as blood tests or X-rays, aren’t often necessary but may be used to rule out other possible causes of symptoms, such as bone fractures or rheumatoid arthritis.

While there’s currently no cure for osteoarthritis, several treatments can help reduce symptoms. For example, painkillers or a structured exercise plan with a physiotherapist may be advised if your symptoms are more severe.

You can find out more about osteoarthritis treatment and support on the NHS website. However, you should always seek advice from your GP before taking any medication.

6 ways to manage symptoms and reduce your risk of developing osteoarthritis

Alongside medication and other professional treatments, lifestyle changes can also play a role in preventing osteoarthritis or managing symptoms.

We’ll cover some of these below.

1. Exercise regularly

Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to keep joints healthy.

Research has shown that exercising regularly can help slow, manage, and, in some cases, prevent osteoarthritis. This is because it can relieve stiffness, reduce joint pain and fatigue, and increase bone and muscle strength (which reduces pressure on joints).

Low-impact exercises, such as resistance training, stretching, and walking, tend to be the most effective at keeping joints mobile while limiting strain. For ideas on how to get started, check out our articles: 15 low-impact exercise ideas and 7 low-impact exercises you can do at home.

2. Improve your posture

Working on your posture and avoiding staying in one position for too long can help reduce your risk of osteoarthritis.

This includes moving around regularly and ensuring that your chair is adjusted to the correct height if your job involves sitting at a desk for long periods.

If you’re looking to work on this, try these 5 exercises to help improve your posture.

3. Get enough rest

Exercise can help keep your joints healthy and manage osteoarthritis symptoms, but getting enough rest is just as important.

Research has found that prioritising sleep quality and getting adequate rest each night may help reduce osteoarthritis pain. This is because our bodies recover during sleep.

If you struggle to get enough good-quality rest, check out the tips in our sleep and fatigue section.

4. Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight places stress on joints, which can speed up the deterioration of joint cartilage. This can either worsen existing osteoarthritis symptoms or increase your risk of developing the condition.

As well as exercising regularly, one of the most important steps you can take to maintain a healthy weight is to eat a balanced diet.

If you’d like help losing weight healthily and sustainably, head over to our diet and nutrition section. Here, you’ll find advice on everything from ways to cut back on added sugar to healthy and filling recipes.

5. Eat for joint health

Research has also revealed that some nutrients – such as calcium and vitamin D – are particularly beneficial for joint health.

Some joint-friendly foods include fatty fish, walnuts, ginger, broccoli, and olive oil. For example, research has found that omega-3 fatty acids in fish may decrease inflammation and slow osteoarthritis progression.

For more information on how to eat for joint health, check out our article: 10 best foods for healthy joints and which to avoid.

6. Maintain healthy blood sugar levels

Research has drawn a link between diabetes and an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis.

This is because high glucose levels can increase molecules that stiffen bone cartilage, while diabetes can cause inflammation, accelerating cartilage breakdown.

As a result, regulating blood glucose levels can help prevent the onset of osteoarthritis and manage symptoms. For more information, you might like to read our article: 12 science-backed ways to lower (or regulate) blood sugar levels.

Final thoughts…

Osteoarthritis can be a painful and frustrating condition to live with. While there’s currently no cure, several things can help manage symptoms and reduce your risk of developing the condition. Simple lifestyle habits, such as eating a joint-friendly diet and prioritising sleep, can make all the difference.

For further reading, check out our general health section. Here, you’ll find information on everything from gut and bladder health to important health checks and ways to boost longevity.

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Jaw arthritis - the signs to look out for and how to protect your jaw

From patient.info

By Victoria Raw

Jaw arthritis happens when the joint connecting your jawbone to your skull becomes inflamed. As Sharon Horgan’s character Alex discovers in HBO’s recent comedy-drama Youth, it can become more common as we get older.

What is jaw arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in your joints, which can make it harder to move the affected area. There are many types of arthritis, each of which can affect your body in its own way.

‘Jaw arthritis’ is an informal term for arthritis that impacts your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) - the joint just below your ears connecting your jaw to your skull. While arthritis in the TMJ is less common than some other forms of arthritis, it can significantly affect your day-to-day life.

That’s because your jaw joint is constantly in use. Every time you eat, chew, speak, or yawn, you’re using it. So, if arthritis develops in this joint, even simple everyday activities can become uncomfortable or difficult.

Dr Tom Maggs, Founder and Managing Director, Medical Consulting Group, explains that jaw arthritis is different from other causes of jaw pain because the issue comes from within the joint itself, rather than the surrounding muscles or teeth.

What causes jaw arthritis?

The causes of jaw pain vary, and not all jaw pain means you have jaw arthritis. However, these issues can fall under the broader umbrella of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).

Dr Soumaya Zinet, a dentist and founder of invisiblebraces4U in the UK, says TMDs can involve the muscles around your jaw, the disc within the joint, an injury, or inflammation.

“The TMJ is a joint that gets used constantly,” she explains. “Think about how many times you move your jaw in a day just from talking, eating, and swallowing.

“With arthritis, the normally smooth surfaces within the joint can gradually become damaged or irregular. The cartilage may become thinner, and the underlying bone can change shape as the joint tries to adapt. There can also be inflammation within the joint. This can translate into stiffness, pain when chewing, reduced movement, or sometimes a grinding or grating sensation.”

Maggs adds that, over time, your jaw bone can remodel and develop small growths, while the surrounding muscles may tighten in response, adding to discomfort and restricting movement. He notes that the small disc that helps your jaw glide smoothly can also become worn or displaced, potentially causing clicking or popping sounds.

However, Zinet emphasises that not every jaw ache or clicking sound is a sign of arthritis.

Who is more likely to develop jaw arthritis?

Several factors can influence your likelihood of developing jaw arthritis - including age, lifestyle habits, existing health conditions, and previous injuries.

Maggs explains that injuries such as fractures or whiplash can alter the mechanics of the joint and increase the chance of degeneration.

“Jaw arthritis is also more likely to affect people who already have other forms of joint disease,” he says. “Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can affect the jaw as part of a wider systemic process. Genetics, long-term strain, stress-related clenching, and bite misalignment can also contribute. Often, several of these factors combine over time.”

He adds that a history of facial trauma may increase vulnerability, while women may be slightly more affected - possibly because of hormonal influences on joint tissues.

Adults over 40 may be more likely to develop jaw arthritis as cartilage naturally becomes thinner with age. Maggs explains that people with inflammatory joint conditions, as well as those who grind their teeth, or experience long-term stress, may also be more susceptible.

Zinet agrees, but emphasises that younger people experiencing jaw pain should not assume that a joint issue can be ruled out.

“TMD in general is not just an older person's condition,” she says. “I see younger patients with jaw pain quite regularly, but in those patients arthritis is only one of many possible explanations.”

What are the symptoms of jaw arthritis?

According to our experts, there are several signs that could indicate you have developed jaw arthritis. However, these symptoms can also occur with other types of TMD, so they do not necessarily mean you have arthritis.

Common symptoms of jaw arthritis include:

• Pain - often felt around your ear or temple, where the jaw joint sits. You may notice it particularly when eating, yawning, or opening your mouth.

• Aching or stiffness - you may find it difficult to open your mouth fully, particularly in the morning. In some cases, your jaw may lock, either open or closed, making it painful or difficult to move into a normal position.

• Tenderness - the area around your jaw joint may feel sore or sensitive to touch.

• A grating or grinding sensation - the joint may feel as though it is catching or rubbing when you move your jaw.

• Headaches - these can also occur alongside jaw pain and tension.

• Clicking or popping sounds - although these are not necessarily a cause for concern on their own. Many people experience clicking or popping in their jaw without having arthritis or needing treatment.

Zinet advises that if your pain is persistent or worsening, particularly if it is affecting your ability to eat, speak, or open your mouth normally, you should seek medical advice.

How is jaw arthritis diagnosed?

If you suspect you may have symptoms of jaw arthritis, it’s important to seek an accurate diagnosis from a qualified healthcare professional, such as your doctor or dentist.

Zinet explains that, as a dentist, the first step is usually to talk about your symptoms and carry out a physical examination.

“I'd look at your range of movement, feel your jaw joints and surrounding muscles, and listen for any clicking or grinding,” she says. “I'd also ask about previous injuries, clenching or grinding, and any other joint issues.

“If I suspect arthritis or another structural issue, imaging can be helpful. Depending on what we're looking for, that might be an X-ray, panoramic dental X-ray, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.”

Maggs adds that a dental assessment can also help rule out tooth-related causes of jaw pain. If inflammatory arthritis is suspected, blood tests may be needed. Other potential causes, including muscle strain, sinus issues, or dental infections, may also need to be ruled out before a diagnosis of jaw arthritis can be confirmed.

How is jaw arthritis treated?

Treating jaw arthritis is generally not invasive. Most people will not need surgery, and treatment typically focuses on managing the condition rather than curing it. The aim is to reduce pain, improve jaw function, and, where possible, slow its progression.

Maggs recommends self-care measures such as using heat packs, doing gentle jaw exercises, and avoiding hard or chewy foods. Physiotherapy can also help improve mobility and reduce muscle tension.

“Dental interventions, including bite splints or night guards, are useful for people who grind their teeth,” he says. “Medication may be used to manage inflammation, and lifestyle changes such as stress management and posture awareness can reduce strain on the joint. Injections may be considered in some cases, while surgery is generally reserved for severe or persistent symptoms.”

For people whose symptoms continue despite these measures, Zinet notes that specialist treatments such as arthrocentesis or arthroscopy may be considered.

Can you prevent jaw arthritis?

There’s no guarantee you can prevent jaw arthritis entirely. Some risk factors are simply outside your control - for example, a previous injury or an inflammatory joint condition may increase your chance of developing jaw arthritis regardless of what you do.

However, Zinet and Maggs say there are some practical steps you can take to avoid putting unnecessary strain on your jaw.

You can:

• Avoid excessive chewing and clenching - try not to constantly chew gum, bite your nails, or deliberately clench your jaw.

• Be mindful of what you eat when your jaw is painful - temporarily avoiding very hard or chewy foods, as well as excessive opening of your mouth, such as when biting into large foods, may help reduce strain.

• Maintain good posture - poor posture can contribute to tension around your jaw and neck.

• Manage inflammatory conditions - treating underlying inflammatory joint conditions promptly may help protect your jaw joint. Early intervention can also improve long-term outcomes.

• Get persistent symptoms assessed early - seeking medical or dental advice when symptoms first develop can help identify the cause and ensure you receive appropriate treatment.

• Consider a night guard if you grind your teeth - if you regularly grind or clench your teeth, speak to your dentist about whether a night guard could be appropriate and what may be causing the issue.

Zinet recommends speaking to your dentist if you grind your teeth, so they can help work out what’s causing it and advise you on the best way to manage it.

“Most importantly, don't assume that persistent jaw pain is something you simply have to live with,” she concludes. “There are lots of different causes of jaw pain, and getting the correct diagnosis means you can actually treat the underlying issue rather than guessing.

“And if your jaw clicks but doesn't hurt, that isn't necessarily a sign that you're developing arthritis. Clicking is very common, and in many people it doesn't require any treatment at all.”

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

https://patient.info/features/bones-joints-muscles/jaw-arthritis-the-signs-to-look-out-for-and-how-to-protect-your-jaw 

Hand arthritis: Separating myth from reality

From northside.com

By Dr. Amanda Walsh

If you've noticed aching joints, stiffness in your fingers or difficulty opening jars, you're not alone. Hand arthritis affects millions of people and becomes increasingly common with age. Yet many misconceptions prevent people from seeking help or taking steps to manage their symptoms.

According to Dr. Amanda Walsh, a fellowship-trained orthopaedic hand and upper extremity surgeon with Northside Hospital Orthopaedics, understanding the facts about arthritis can help people stay active, protect hand function and find relief.

Myth: Arthritis is rare.

Reality: Hand arthritis is extremely common.

"At least one quarter of the population will have symptomatic hand arthritis in their life," Dr. Walsh said. She also noted that if doctors took X-rays of everyone older than 65, "about 80% of patients would have some sort of arthritis on their X-ray."

Arthritis develops when joint cartilage wears down, allowing bones to rub against one another. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, decreased grip strength and visible changes in the appearance of finger joints.

Myth: Using your hands will wear them out.

Reality: Movement helps keep joints healthy.

Many people avoid activities because they worry they'll worsen arthritis. In reality, normal daily use of the hands is beneficial.

"Motion is lotion, especially in the fingers and the hand," said Dr. Walsh. "The more you move the fingers and the more you keep them moving and active, the healthier they're going to be."

While very heavy repetitive use can lead to overuse injuries that may lead to arthritis in the future, regular exercise, hobbies and everyday activities help maintain mobility and function.

Myth: If you have arthritis, you should stop doing the activities you enjoy.

Reality: Most hobbies can be continued with moderation.

Patients often assume they need to give up activities such as knitting, crafting or gardening. Dr. Walsh said that's usually not the case. In fact, she noted that knitting is "a great way to keep the fingers supple and keep things moving" and describes it as "almost like a type of therapy for the hand."

The key is to watch for symptoms and reduce activity if it causes significant pain.

Myth: Cracking your knuckles causes arthritis.

Reality: There's no evidence that cracking joints leads to arthritis.

"While I tell patients, if it hurts to crack your joints, don’t do it; generally, I don't think you're causing arthritis by cracking your knuckles," Dr. Walsh said.

She explained that joint cracking is often blamed for arthritis, but research has not shown that it causes the condition.

Myth: Nothing can be done for arthritis.

Reality: Many effective treatments are available.

While arthritis cannot currently be cured by re-growing cartilage, symptoms can often be managed successfully through hand therapy, exercises, braces, medications and injections.

"You don't have to just live with it," Dr. Walsh said.

Myth: Surgery is inevitable.

Reality: Surgery is usually the last resort.

One of the biggest misconceptions Dr. Walsh hears is that seeing a hand surgeon automatically means surgery.

"Most patients never need surgery for their hands, and they can find relief with non-surgical treatments," she said.

Surgery is generally considered only when conservative treatments such as hand therapy, supportive splinting or injections no longer provide sufficient relief.

The Bottom Line

Hand arthritis is common, but it doesn't have to define your daily life. Staying active, keeping joints moving and seeking care when symptoms become bothersome can make a meaningful difference.

As Dr. Walsh reminds patients, "You don't have to just live with it." There are effective treatments available, and "not all of the solutions are surgery."

https://www.northside.com/about/news-center/article-details/hand-arthritis-separating-myth-from-reality