What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA), also called degenerative arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis. It happens when the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. Without enough cartilage, bones rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. OA can affect any joint but is most common in the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Symptoms often develop gradually and worsen as the condition progresses.
Penn Medicine provides comprehensive, innovative care for people with osteoarthritis. We are your trusted partner in managing this condition to minimize pain and maximize mobility at every stage.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis symptoms can vary from person to person and often develop slowly. Common signs include:
- Joint pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
- Stiffness, especially after waking up or sitting still for long periods
- Tenderness when pressing on the joint
- Swelling caused by fluid or bone growths (bone spurs)
- A rubbing, crackling, or grating sound (crepitation) when moving the joint
- Limited range of motion
- Pain that may become constant or disturb sleep as OA progresses
While OA most often affects weight-bearing joints, over time it can impact daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or even sleeping comfortably.
What causes osteoarthritis?
OA develops when joint cartilage gradually breaks down, but several risk factors can increase the likelihood of the disease:
- Age: Wear and tear makes OA more common as you get older.
- Sex: People assigned female at birth have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis over age 55.
- Genetics: OA often runs in families.
- Excess weight: Extra pounds increase stress on hips, knees, ankles, and feet.
- Injury: Previous fractures, ligament tears, or cartilage injuries may trigger OA years later.
- Occupation and sports: Jobs or sports that involve heavy lifting, kneeling, squatting, or twisting put joints at risk.
- Other conditions: Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis can weaken joints and increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
Diagnosing osteoarthritis
Your provider will ask about your medical history, review your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and order imaging tests to view your joints and surrounding tissues. Joint fluid analysis or blood tests may be performed to rule out infection or other causes of pain and inflammation.
Osteoarthritis treatment and management options
While there’s no cure for osteoarthritis, treatment can relieve pain, improve mobility, and slow progression. Care may include lifestyle changes such as weight management, exercise, and joint protection strategies. Over-the-counter medications, including oral pain relievers and topical creams or gels, can ease discomfort and support daily movement. Prescription medicines may be used for chronic symptoms, and corticosteroid injections can provide short-term relief. Physical therapy helps strengthen muscles and improve joint motion. Braces or splints may be recommended to support weak joints and redistribute weight. Some people also benefit from alternative approaches, such as acupuncture, yoga, or tai chi.
Penn Medicine also offers a wide range of innovative therapies for osteoarthritis, including low-dose radiation, a nonsurgical alternative that involves six sessions over three weeks to relieve OA inflammation in the knees, hips, ankles, elbows, hands, wrists, and shoulders. When surgery is your best option, Penn Medicine’s orthopaedic experts perform advanced procedures like minimally invasive and robot-assisted surgery.
Leaders in osteoarthritis and bone health
Penn Medicine offers high-quality, comprehensive care for every stage of osteoarthritis, including the latest surgical and nonsurgical treatments based on active research and clinical trials. You’ll benefit from personalized rehabilitation plans, advanced pain management, and access to multiple specialists, often available within the same location.