Osteoarthritis

In most cases, the symptoms of osteoarthritis develop gradually and get worse over time.

Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include: 

• pain in the affected joint, especially during or after movement

• swelling and inflammation around the joint

• joint stiffness, which may be worse after sleep or inactivity

• tenderness around the affected joint 

• reduced flexibility and range of motion

• a grating sensation when you move the joint

• a clicking, popping or crackling sound when you bend the affected joint 

• bone spurs around the joint, which feel like hard lumps through your skin

• muscle weakness around the joint

•  joint instability (your knees may feel they are about to buckle or give way)

Osteoarthritis develops gradually as the protective cartilage in your joints deteriorates due to normal wear and tear. If the cartilage wears down completely, bone will start to rub on bone, causing pain, swelling and stiffness when moving the joint.

Exactly what causes osteoarthritis to develop isn’t known, but there are several factors that may increase your risk of developing the condition, including:

• age – your risk of developing osteoarthritis increases with age

• sex –  you’re more likely to develop osteoarthritis if you’re female

• family history – the condition may be hereditary

• obesity – excess weight puts additional strain on your joints, especially weight-bearing joints, such as your knees and hips

• joint injury or overuse – damage or repetitive use of a joint from playing sports, or an accident

• other joint conditions – having a previous or existing condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout

At your Welbeck consultation, you will be seen by a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, who will ask you about your symptoms, general health, family and medical history, and any medications you take regularly. They’ll also perform a physical examination of your affected joint. 

In some cases, you may have an X-ray to confirm your diagnosis and look for other joint changes. Your consultant may also request an MRI to rule out other bone or joint problems that could be causing your symptoms.

Osteoarthritis is diagnosed based on your symptoms, physical examination and any imaging scans you’ve had.

Osteoarthritis can't always be prevented, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of developing the condition, including: 

• exercising regularly

• building strong muscles to support your joints 

• maintaining a healthy weight

• eating a healthy, balanced diet with sufficient vitamins, minerals and healthy fats 

• ensuring you have good posture 

• protecting your joints from injury, especially if you have a high risk of injury from your job or a hobby 

• wearing supportive shoes 

• getting plenty of sleep 

• managing any underlying health conditions, such as diabetes

Osteoarthritis is usually treatable, and complications are rare. However, untreated complications of osteoarthritis include: 

• long-term joint damage, pain and stiffness

• decreased mobility, which can increase your risk of other conditions such as obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes

• an increased risk of falls and fractures

• reduced independence

• psychological issues due to chronic pain and reduced mobility, like anxiety and depression 

• difficulty sleeping

There’s no cure for osteoarthritis, but there are several treatments available to help manage your symptoms and prevent progression of the disease. 

Treatment involves lifestyle changes, medication, physiotherapy and, in some cases, surgery. Your consultant will recommend the best treatment or combination of treatments for you, depending on the severity of your osteoarthritis, your age, general health, and any treatments you’ve tried previously. 

Treatment for osteoarthritis may include:

• regular low-impact exercise – such as walking, cycling and swimming, range of movement exercises and muscle strengthening exercises

• weight management – if you’re carrying excess weight, even losing a small amount can help relieve some of the pressure on your joints

• using supportive devices – crutches or walking sticks can help reduce pressure on your weight-bearing joints and aid with balance and stability

• medications – topical or oral pain medicines and oral anti-inflammatory medications can help relieve pain and swelling

• applying hot and cold packs – this can help reduce pain and swelling in the joints

• physiotherapy – can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the affected joints and improve your mobility

• injections – steroid injections may be recommended to reduce pain in the joint, while hyaluronic acid injections may be used to lubricate and absorb shock in the joints

• surgery – if other treatments have been ineffective, surgery may be recommended to help decrease pain and stiffness, delay progression of the disease, improve mobility and function and enhance your quality of life. Surgery may be in the form of a joint replacement, joint fusion or arthroscopy (keyhole surgery to clean out and treat a joint)

At Welbeck, our orthopaedic surgeons are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.