Health A-Z

Exercising with osteoarthritis can be challenging but incredibly beneficial for managing symptoms and improving overall quality of life. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. Here's a breakdown of symptoms, treatment plans, diagnosis, and testing associated with osteoarthritis.

1. Joint Pain: Typically worsens with activity and improves with rest.
2. Stiffness: Especially after periods of inactivity or upon waking up in the morning.
3. Swelling: Due to inflammation in the affected joints.
4. Decreased Range of Motion: Difficulty in moving the joint fully.
5. Bone Spurs: Extra bits of bone may form around the affected joint.

1. Exercise: Regular, low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, and cycling can help improve joint flexibility, strength, and overall function. Range-of-motion exercises can also be beneficial.
2. Medications:
   • Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
   • Topical Treatments: Creams or ointments containing capsaicin or NSAIDs can provide relief when applied directly to the affected joint.
3. Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can develop a personalized exercise program to strengthen muscles around the affected joint, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
4. Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on weight-bearing joints, such as the knees and hips.
5. Assistive Devices: Using braces, splints, or orthotic inserts can help support and stabilize affected joints.
6. Injections: Corticosteroid injections or hyaluronic acid injections directly into the joint can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation.
7. Surgery: In severe cases where conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgical options such as joint replacement may be considered.

1. Medical History: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and conduct a physical examination.
2. Imaging Tests: X-rays can reveal joint damage, narrowing of the joint space, and the presence of bone spurs. MRI and CT scans can provide more detailed images of the joint and surrounding tissues.
3. Joint Fluid Analysis: A sample of fluid from the affected joint may be tested for signs of inflammation and to rule out other conditions like gout or infection.
4. Blood Tests: These may be done to rule out other types of arthritis.