Osteoarthritis: symptoms, treatment and relief

Knees
The knees are the body's primary weight-bearing joints and for this reason are among the joints most commonly affected by osteoarthritis. An afflicted knee may be stiff, swollen and painful, making it hard to walk, climb, get in and out of chairs and use the bath. If not treated, osteoarthritis in the knee can lead more rapidly to disability, but even with treatment it might still progress. Medications, losing weight, exercise and walking aids can reduce pain and disability; in severe cases, knee replacement surgery may be helpful.

Hips
Osteoarthritis in the hip can cause pain, stiffness and severe disability. The sufferer may feel the pain in their hips or in their groin, inner thigh or knees. Walking aids including canes or walkers can reduce hip stress, but osteoarthritis in the hip may limit moving and bending. This can make daily activities such as dressing and foot care a challenge. Walking aids, medication and exercise can help relieve pain and improve motion. A doctor may recommend hip replacement if the pain is severe and not helped by other methods.

Spine
Stiffness and pain in the neck or in the lower back can result from osteoarthritis of the spine. Weakness or numbness of the arms or legs also can result. Some people feel better when they sleep on a firm mattress or sit using back support pillows. Others find help from heat treatment or an exercise programme to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles. In severe cases, a doctor may suggest surgery to reduce pain and help restore function.

Feet
Usually the base of the big toe is affected with gradual stiffening of the joint until it no longer moves at all (hallux rigidus) or it becomes bent (hallux valgus).

How is it diagnosed?
No single test can diagnose osteoarthritis. Most doctors use a combination of the following methods to diagnose the disease and rule out other conditions: