What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a slowly progressive disease that often presents with minimal or no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, causing many individuals to remain unaware of the condition.

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Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint condition characterized by the gradual deterioration of cartilage—the smooth, cushioning tissue that covers the ends of bones within a joint. This cartilage acts as a shock absorber and allows joints to move smoothly and pain-free. Over time, cartilage can wear down, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Individuals at Risk

Age 50 and Above:
Both men and women who engage in physically demanding work or repetitive movements are at increased risk.
Age 70 and Above:
Osteoarthritis affects approximately 80–90% of individuals in this age group.
Overweight Individuals:
Excess body weight accelerates joint wear and tear, particularly in weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips.
Occupational Risk:
Jobs requiring repetitive joint use or prolonged poor posture (e.g., kneeling, squatting, or sitting cross-legged) may increase the risk.
History of Joint Conditions:
Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, previous joint infections, or past joint injuries are more susceptible to developing osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Audible Joint Sounds:
Clicking or popping noises may occur during joint movement. In some cases, new bone growth (bone spurs) forms as the body attempts to stabilize the joint.
Pain and Discomfort:
Friction between bones may cause pain during movement. Persistent pain can limit mobility and lead to muscle weakness.
Joint Stiffness:
Commonly experienced in the morning or after prolonged periods of inactivity.
Joint Deformities:
Changes such as bowlegs or outward-turning knees may develop, often accompanied by a reduced range of motion.

Diagnostic Methods

Physical Examination:
Assessment by an orthopedic or musculoskeletal specialist.
Imaging Tests:
X-rays or MRI scans to evaluate joint structure and cartilage damage.
Bone Mass Density Measurement:
Bone densitometry (BMD) may be used to assess bone health, particularly when osteoarthritis coexists with osteoporosis.

Treatment Guidelines for Osteoarthritis

Physical Therapy:
Personalized rehabilitation programs designed to reduce pain, relax muscles, and strengthen joint-supporting muscles.
Medications:
Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers help manage symptoms and maintain quality of life.
Joint Injections:
Injection of lubricating agents or synthetic joint fluid to reduce friction and alleviate pain.
Arthroscopic Debridement:
A minimally invasive procedure using a small camera to diagnose joint conditions, remove damaged tissue, smooth joint surfaces, repair torn structures, or insert cushioning materials.
Corrective Osteotomy:
Surgical realignment of bones to improve weight distribution and reduce stress on affected joints.
Joint Replacement Surgery:
Recommended when conservative treatments are no longer effective. The damaged joint is replaced with a prosthetic joint, typically made from cobalt-chromium alloys and polyethylene, which closely replicate natural joint surfaces and offer durability and biocompatibility.

Consultation Recommendation

If you are experiencing joint pain or limited mobility, it is advisable to consult a specialist in musculoskeletal and joint conditions at Phyathai Sriracha Hospital. Our experienced orthopedic surgeons specialize in knee and hip osteoarthritis, offering advanced treatments such as artificial joint replacement and corrective surgery to restore function and improve quality of life.