Osteoarthritis is the breakdown of cartilage in the joints. This is followed by chronic inflammation of the joint lining. Healthy cartilage is a cushion between the bones in a joint. Osteoarthritis usually affects the hands, feet, spine, hips, and knees. People with osteoarthritis usually have joint pain and limited movement of the affected joint.

Osteoarthritis is associated with aging. The exact cause is unclear. As osteoarthritis develops, you experience loss of cartilage, bone spurs around the joint, and muscle weakness of the extremity.

These factors increase your chance of developing osteoarthritis. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:

• Obesity
• Genetic factors
• Injury to the joint surface
• Occupations and physical activities that put stress on joints
• Neuromuscular disorders, like diabetes

Symptoms include:

• Mild to severe pain in a joint, especially after overuse or long periods of inactivity, such as sitting for a long time
• Creaking or grating sound in the joint
• Swelling, stiffness, limited movement of the joint, especially in the morning
• Weakness in muscles around the sore joint
• Deformity of the joint

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.

Tests may include:

• X-ray —a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones
• Blood tests
• Arthrocentesis —a procedure that involves withdrawing fluid from a joint

There is no treatment that stops cartilage loss or repairs cartilage that is damaged. The goal of treatment is to reduce joint pain and inflammation and to improve joint function.

Treatments may include:

• Over-the-counter pain medicine
  • Acetaminophen (eg, Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (eg, Advil) and naproxen (eg, Aleve)
• Prescription pain medicine
  • Arthrotec—nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; may reduce the risk for gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Opiates and opiate-like medications
• Viscosupplementation—injection of a substance called hyaluronan into the joint, which helps lubricate the joint
• Pain relief creams—capsaicin , methyl salicylate, and menthol

There is some evidence that glucosamine and chondroitin may relieve pain and/or decrease osteoarthritis progression. Talk with your doctor before taking any herbs and supplements.

Some doctors report that acupuncture has been successful in reducing the pain of osteoarthritis, although the evidence is not consistent.

While more studies are needed, balneotherapy (hot water therapy), relaxation therapy, exercise, yoga, and tai chi may be helpful.

Shoes with shock-absorbing soles may provide some relief while you are doing daily activities or exercising. Splints or braces help to properly align joints and distribute weight. Knee and wrist joints may benefit from elastic supports. A neck brace or corset may relieve back pain . Also, a firm mattress may help chronic back pain. Canes , crutches , walkers , and orthopedic shoes also can help those with advanced osteoarthritis in the lower body.

Losing weight can lessen the stress on joints affected by osteoarthritis. Losing five pounds can eliminate at least 15 pounds of stressful impact for each step taken. The more weight lost, the greater the benefit.

Strengthening the muscles supporting an arthritic joint (particularly the knee, lower back, and neck) may decrease pain and absorb energy around the joint. For example, if you have arthritis in the knee, exercise, including strength training, can also help improve knee function.

Swimming and water aerobics are good options because they do not put stress on the joint.

Another option is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). With TENS, you are connected to a machine that sends electrical signals through the skin to nerves. This type of therapy may decrease pain in some people.

If you are having difficulty getting around due to arthritis pain, your doctor might recommend that you install handrails and grips throughout your home. These are useful in the bathroom and shower. You may need elevated seats (including toilet seats) if you're having difficulty rising after sitting.

Applying heat (with hot water bottles or heating pads) helps joints and muscles move more easily. It can also lessen pain. Using ice packs after activity can also help.

Corticosteroid injections to the inflamed joint may be given if other pain medicines do not work. Because repeated cortisone injections can be harmful to the cartilage, they are reserved for those with severe symptoms.

Surgery can:

• Reposition bones to redistribute stress on the joint
• Replace joints
• Remove loose pieces of bone or cartilage from joints