Osteoarthritis

What Causes Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage — the tough, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they meet — becomes damaged. Healthy cartilage helps joints move smoothly and keeps the bones from rubbing together.

When this cartilage wears down or breaks apart, the bones start to rub against each other, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling. Over time, the joint may become deformed, unstable, and even more painful as bone begins to grow where cartilage once was.

Although aging increases the risk, osteoarthritis isn’t only caused by getting older or general wear and tear. Other risk factors include:

• Being overweight
• Being female
• Having a family history of osteoarthritis

Treatment

• Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be managed effectively. Treatments focus on reducing pain and improving joint function. Common approaches include:
• Lifestyle changes — such as losing weight, staying active, and eating a balanced diet
• Physical therapy — exercises to strengthen muscles around the joint and improve movement
• Medications — like pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs

If these methods don’t provide enough relief, doctors may recommend:

• Cortisone injections — to reduce inflammation
• Hyaluronic acid injections — to act like natural joint fluid and ease movement
• Osteotomy (bone realignment) — used when damage is worse on one side of the joint, especially in knees
• Joint replacement surgery — a very effective option where the damaged joint surfaces are replaced with plastic or metal parts

Next Steps

If you think you might have osteoarthritis or your symptoms are getting worse, a diagnostic consultation with a doctor can help determine the best course of treatment.