Osteoarthritis

There are a few common misunderstandings about osteoarthritis, and it’s important to separate the myths from the reality.

• Osteoarthritis always gets worse – it doesn’t.
• Osteoarthritis always leads to disability – it doesn’t.
• Osteoarthritis is just part of getting old – it isn't.
• Nothing can be done about osteoarthritis – it can.

Even if osteoarthritis does cause disability, the body’s normal process of joint repair does not stop working. As this is an ongoing process it means that in some people with the condition, the damage caused by osteoarthritis is limited and the symptoms do not get worse.

Osteoarthritis of the hand
After a few years, most people find they no longer have symptoms, although the swellings in the fingers will be permanent. Osteoarthritis of the thumb is more likely to lead to lasting disability.

Osteoarthritis of the knee
Over several years, about a third of people with osteoarthritis of the knee will get better, a third will stay the same, and a third will get worse. Those who do improve will find that their pain becomes less and they will be able to use their knee more. However, it is not known how the influence of simple therapies such as muscle strengthening might reduce the number of people who currently get worse.

Osteoarthritis of the hip
This form of osteoarthritis is the most likely to get worse and need surgery. A significant number of people with hip osteoarthritis will need hip replacement surgery within one to five years. However, some people find that their hip osteoarthritis improves on its own without any treatment.

As osteoarthritis more often affects older people, or people who are overweight or obese, it often occurs with other conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or depression. If you have osteoarthritis, it is important to speak to a GP about these other conditions. Improving your general health can help stop your osteoarthritis from getting worse. Depression is also common in people with osteoarthritis and again you should discuss this with your GP.

Want to know more?

• The NHS Choices arthritis blog, written by people living with the condition. 
• Living with arthritis from Arthritis Care.

Osteoarthritis of the hand
Your fingers may become stiff, painful and swollen and you may develop bumps on your finger joints. Over time the finger pain often decreases and may eventually disappear, although the bumps, swelling and stiffness on your fingers may remain. You may have difficulty undoing jars and gripping things. This is because of the associated muscle loss and shows that you need muscle-strengthening exercises for your forearm muscles.

In some cases, you may also develop a bump at the base of your thumb where it joins your wrist. This can be painful and you may find it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as writing, opening jars or turning keys.

Want to know more?

• There are devices that can make these tasks easier. Get more information from Arthritis Care.

If you have osteoarthritis of the knee
Your knees may be most painful when you walk, particularly when walking uphill, or going upstairs. Sometimes your knees may give way underneath you, or lock into position, so that you can't straighten your legs. You may also hear a soft, grating sound when you move the affected joint.

Want to know more?

• Arthritis Care lists simple ways to take care of your joints and keep pain to a minimum.

If you have osteoarthritis of the hip
Osteoarthritis in your hips often makes it difficult to move your hip joints. You may find it hard to put your shoes and socks on, or to get in and out of a car.

If you have osteoarthritis in the hip, it's quite common to have pain in the knee rather than the hip. Rarely, you may have pain in other areas, such as the thighs, buttocks, and ankles. In most cases, the pain will be worse when you walk, although it can also affect you when you're resting. Some people may find that a mobility aid, such as a walking stick or frame, may help them.

Want to know more?

• Mobility aids explained.

If you have osteoarthritis of the feet
Osteoarthritis of the feet most commonly affects the base of the big toe. It can cause pain when you walk and lead to a bunion (a bony outgrowth) at the affected joint. The type of shoes you wear can influence this, particularly shoes with a raised heel. You may find that a brace helps to ease the symptoms.

Want to know more?

• Feet, Footwear and Arthritis, an Arthritis Research Campaign booklet.
• Arthritis Care: Podiatry.

Self care
Self care is an integral part of daily life and is all about you taking responsibility for your own health and well-being with support from the people involved in your care. Self care includes the actions you take for yourself every day in order to stay fit and maintain good physical and mental health, prevent illness or accidents and care more effectively for minor ailments and long term conditions. People living with long term conditions can benefit enormously from being supported to self care - they can live longer, have less pain, anxiety, depression and fatigue, have a better quality of life and be more active and independent.

How your GP can help
Your GP will be able to give you:

• Information about osteoarthritis that will help you understand the condition.
• Advice on losing weight (if you need to).
• Information on which exercises will be beneficial for you.
• The risks and benefits of different treatments.

It has been shown that giving people advice and information about how to help themselves can provide benefits of relief from pain and inflammation that are two-thirds to three-quarters as successful as treatment with medicines.

Want to know more?

• Sign up for an Arthritis Care self-management course and learn how to manage your symptoms.
• Arthritis Care: advice on managing your condition.
• Self-help if you have osteoarthritis from NHS Choices, including advice on diet and exercise.
• Your health, your way: what is self care?

Many people find it helpful to talk to others who are in a similar position and you may find support from a group or by talking individually to someone who has osteoarthrits. Patient organisations have local groups where you can meet other people who have the same condition.

Want to know more?

• Arthritis Care's discussion forums are where you can share tips with other people living with arthritis.
• Read the experiences of other patients with osteoarthritis.
• Arthritis Care’s support group website has information on local support groups and forums.
• To get in touch with a trained counsellor, call Arthritis Care’s helpline on 0808 800 4050.

A diagnosis of osteoarthritis can be initially confusing and overwhelming. Like many people with a long-term health condition, those who find out they have osteoarthritis may feel anxious or depressed. But there are people you can talk to who can help. Ask your GP if you feel you need support to cope with your illness.

Want to know more?

• Understanding your feelings.
• Arthritis Care has a free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 4050 (10am–4pm, weekdays).

If you have more severe osteoarthritis and are still working, you may find that your symptoms interfere with your working life, and they may affect your ability to do your job. Arthritis Care has useful advice on how you can make simple adjustments at work to make it easier to do your job. It also has a booklet called Working with arthritis (PDF).

If you can't continue working, you may be eligible for disability and incapacity benefits. People over 65 who are severely disabled may qualify for disability benefit called Attendance Allowance.

Want to know more?

• Directgov: disability benefits 
• Arthritis Care: benefits you may be entitled to.  

Help for carers
Carers may also be entitled to some benefit too, depending on their involvement in caring for the person with osteoarthritis.

Want to know more?

• Carers: money and legal.
• Directgov: benefits for carers.
• Arthrits Care: caring for someone with arthritis.