In short
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis: the cartilage that cushions a joint slowly wears down, most often in the knees, hips, hands and spine. Pain is worse with activity and eases with rest. Exercise, weight management and targeted treatment keep most people active for years.
On this page
What is osteoarthritis?
As cartilage thins, the bones rub more directly against each other, causing pain and, over time, changing how the joint moves.
Unlike rheumatoid arthritis it is a wear-and-tear process, not an immune attack — but the pain is real and deserves proper care.
What are the symptoms of OA?
- Pain with use Worse with activity, better with rest.
- Brief stiffness After rest or first thing, usually under 30 minutes.
- Mild swelling Sometimes with warmth around the joint.
- Less movement The joint slowly becomes less flexible.
- GlossaryCrepitusA grinding, crunching or popping feeling or sound when a joint moves.All terms A–Z Grinding, crunching or popping as the joint moves.
How is OA diagnosed?
- Examination Your symptoms, history and the affected joints.
- X-rays The main test, showing narrowed joint space and GlossaryOsteophytesBone spurs that form at the edges of a joint as cartilage wears — often visible on X-ray.All terms A–Z.
- Ultrasound or MRI A closer look at cartilage and soft tissue when needed.
- Blood or joint-fluid tests To rule out rheumatoid arthritis, gout or infection.
How is OA treated?
- Exercise and physiotherapy Strengthen the muscles that support the joint.
- Weight management Even modest weight loss takes real strain off knees and hips.
- Pain relief Painkillers or anti-inflammatories when needed, and capsaicin or menthol gels.
- Joint injections Steroid for short-term relief; GlossaryHyaluronic acid injectionA lubricating gel injected into a joint to ease movement and pain.All terms A–Z to ease movement.
- Supports and surgery Braces, insoles or a cane; joint replacement for advanced knee or hip OA.
What is the outlook?
- OA progresses at different speeds; many people stay well controlled for years.
- Starting treatment early helps preserve the joint and can delay surgery.
- Knee and hip replacements have an excellent record of relieving pain when they are needed.
Questions patients ask
Is osteoarthritis the same as rheumatoid arthritis?
No. OA is wear and tear of cartilage; RA is an autoimmune disease that attacks the joint lining. OA stiffness settles quickly, RA stiffness lasts 30 minutes or more, and they are treated differently.
Does weight affect osteoarthritis?
Yes, a lot. Extra weight loads the knees and hips and speeds up cartilage wear. Losing even a little can noticeably ease symptoms.
Can I exercise with osteoarthritis?
Yes — it is one of the best treatments. Walking, swimming and cycling strengthen the supporting muscles without straining the joint.
Is osteoarthritis hereditary?
Genes play a part, but joint injuries, repeated strain and body weight matter a great deal too.
Words worth knowing
Full glossary- Crepitus
- A grinding, crunching or popping feeling or sound when a joint moves.
- Hyaluronic acid injection
- A lubricating gel injected into a joint to ease movement and pain.
- Osteophytes
- Bone spurs that form at the edges of a joint as cartilage wears — often visible on X-ray.
This page is intended for general patient education and does not replace personalized medical advice. Please consult your rheumatologist about your specific symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment plan. Last updated 3 October 2026.