Osteoarthritis (OA)

• What is osteoarthritis (OA) defined as?

  A clinical syndrome of joint pain with functional limitation and reduced quality of life
• What joints are commonly affected by osteoarthritis?

  Knees, hips, and small hand joints
• What is the relationship between cartilage degeneration and symptoms in osteoarthritis?

  There is a clear link between the amount of cartilage left and symptom severity
• What does osteoarthritis (OA) relate to in terms of symptoms?


  It relates to the extent of pain or progression of OA.
• How does the disease process of osteoarthritis begin?

  • Starts long before symptoms appear
  • Some experience pain with little cartilage degeneration
  • Others have no symptoms until cartilage is nearly destroyed
• What happens to cartilage without treatment in osteoarthritis?

  The cartilage continues to degenerate, leading to more severe symptoms.
• How does the amount of cartilage relate to symptom severity in knee osteoarthritis?

  There is a clear link between the amount of cartilage left and symptom severity.
• How can a knee injury affect the progression of osteoarthritis symptoms?

  A knee injury can lead to slow or rapid deterioration of cartilage, affecting symptoms.
• What are common clinical history features of knee osteoarthritis?

  • Increasing discomfort while walking
  • Pain while climbing stairs or getting in/out of chairs
  • Knee stiffness after sitting
  • Swelling after activity
• What happens as knee osteoarthritis worsens?

  The joint may become swollen, muscles weaken, and walking becomes painful.
• What is a common age for osteoarthritis to start in patients with congenital hip dysplasia?

  Osteoarthritis often starts around 40 years of age.
• How do hip osteoarthritis symptoms differ between patients with and without deformities?

  Patients without deformities usually start experiencing symptoms later in life.
• What can increase the rate of deterioration in hip osteoarthritis?

  Weight-bearing activity can increase the rate of deterioration.
• What are common symptoms of osteoarthritis in the hands/fingers?

  • Development of extra bone around knuckles
  • Fingers become stiff and sometimes sore
  • Rarely progresses to significant functional impairment
• What is the most common area for osteoarthritis in the feet?

  The joint of the big toe is the most common area affected.
• What is the typical management for osteoarthritis in the feet/toes?

  Management includes orthotics, painkillers, and possibly steroid injections.
• What is the usual treatment for osteoarthritis in the shoulder?

  NSAIDs are the key treatment, with surgery as a last resort.
• When do symptoms of osteoarthritis in the spine typically start?

  Symptoms usually start in early adulthood, but may not be apparent until the early 40s.
• What are the common clinical features of osteoarthritis symptoms?

  • Stiffness
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Joint pain (aching)
  • Swelling and deformity of the joint
• What are the signs of osteoarthritis that healthcare professionals may check for?

  • Discomfort on moving the joint
  • Abnormal range of motion
  • Swelling/inflammation
  • Warmth/tenderness to touch
  • Crepitation (cracking sound)
• What is the NICE clinical guideline for osteoarthritis management?

  • Exercise as a core treatment
  • Include muscle strengthening and aerobic fitness
  • Weight loss for overweight or obese patients
  • Advice on appropriate footwear
• What should be avoided in the management of osteoarthritis?

  • Routine use of paracetamol
  • Weak opioids unless for short-term use