Osteoarthritis (Arthritis of the Joints)
Osteoarthritis is the commonest form of arthritis. The cartilage that lines the ends of the bones thins, the bone underneath changes, and the joint becomes painful and stiff. It most often affects the knees, hips, hands and the spine, and becomes more common after forty-five, with excess weight, previous joint injuries and heavy manual work. In Nigeria it is often accepted with the words 'it is arthritis, nothing can be done', or managed for years with ointments, hot water and painkillers from the chemist. That is not true. Exercise and strengthening, weight loss and physiotherapy are the first-line treatments and reduce pain for most people. Joint replacement is an option for advanced disease that still limits life despite those.
Get a fixed surgery quote on Mezo SurgeryMedically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Joint pain that is worse with activity and eases with rest
- Stiffness in the morning or after sitting, usually lasting less than half an hour
- Grinding or crackling in the joint
- Swelling around the joint
- Reduced movement, such as difficulty bending the knee or putting on shoes
- Bony knobs on the finger joints in hand arthritis
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor or physiotherapist if joint pain lasts more than a few weeks, limits walking, stairs or work, or wakes you at night. See an orthopaedic surgeon when pain stays severe despite exercise, weight loss and medicines. See a doctor the same day for a hot, red, swollen joint with fever, which can be infection, or for a joint that suddenly locks or gives way. Morning stiffness lasting more than an hour, or swelling in many small joints, can be inflammatory arthritis and needs a doctor.
Treatment options
- Regular exercise: strengthening, walking, cycling or swimming
- Physiotherapy: a programme for the affected joints, plus walking aids where helpful
- Weight loss, which reduces the load on the knees and hips
- Paracetamol and anti-inflammatory gels or tablets, used carefully
- Steroid injections for flare-ups
- Joint replacement surgery for advanced arthritis, with rehabilitation afterwards
What it costs on Mezo
Published cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
Is it true nothing can be done for arthritis?
No. Osteoarthritis cannot be reversed, but exercise, strengthening, weight loss and physiotherapy reduce pain and improve movement for most people. When those are not enough, joint replacement can be very effective.
Should I rest an arthritic joint?
Not for long. Resting makes joints stiffer and the muscles around them weaker, which increases pain. Regular, steady exercise is one of the most effective treatments.
Do ointments and hot water help arthritis?
Heat and rubbing can ease pain for a while, and anti-inflammatory gels are useful for knees and hands. They do not strengthen the muscles that protect the joint, so they work best alongside exercise.
When should I think about a joint replacement?
When pain limits walking, sleep or daily life despite exercise, weight loss and medicines, and an X-ray shows advanced damage. Physiotherapy before and after the operation improves the result.
Need Help?
Paid online. Assessment and a home exercise programme on the first visit.
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