What is OA?

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OA is a non autoimmune progressive degenerative (wear and tear) type of arthritis. It is considered non inflammatory or mildly inflammatory condition. It typically affects individuals over 50 yrs old. It commonly affects joints such as base of the thumbs, distal finger joints, knees, hips, big toe joints as well as neck and lower back spinal joints. 

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What are the symptoms?

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Typical symptoms including chronic, persistent, sometimes fluctuating joint pain along with occasional stiffness. Pain typically occurs with use of a particular joint. Swelling can be present in certain situations such as knee OA. Bony enlargement or deformities can be present as well especially in finger or toe joint OA. A form of OA called inflammatory OA can cause visible inflammatory changes such as swelling and redness of joints, typically affects finger joints. 

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How is it diagnosed?

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Diagnosis is made based on history, physical exam,  Xray findings (such as bone erosions) and sometimes MRI findings. Blood tests are often used to rule out other types of arthritis. 

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How is it treated?

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Unfortunately, there is no disease modifying or progression preventing treatment available at this point of time despite decades of ongoing clinical research on this disease. 

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Treatment includes topical and oral non-steroidal anti inflammatory medications (such as over the counter or prescription strength NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, meloxicam, celebrex etc), cortisone shots (steroid joint injections), gel injections or Hyaluronic Acid Injections (for knee OA).

 

Physical therapy can greatly help with reduction in pain as well as slowing the progression of arthritis in some cases. Weight loss and leaving healthy life-style help with a great deal in OA management.