Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

When dealing with osteoarthritis, a chronic joint disorder that gradually wears down cartilage and triggers pain. Also known as degenerative joint disease, it often limits mobility and quality of life.

One of the first things people notice is persistent joint pain, especially in the knees, hips, and hands. This pain isn’t just a sensation; it signals that cartilage degeneration is progressing, exposing bone surfaces and creating friction. At the same time, low‑grade inflammation amplifies discomfort and can speed up tissue breakdown. In simple terms, osteoarthritis encompasses joint pain, results from cartilage degeneration, and is aggravated by inflammation. Understanding these links helps you see why treatments that target any of these three factors can improve daily function.

Key Factors and Management Strategies

Risk factors range from age and genetics to weight and prior joint injuries. Extra pounds press on weight‑bearing joints, increasing the mechanical load that drives cartilage loss. Meanwhile, a family history can set the stage for early‑onset disease, making screening important for relatives. Lifestyle tweaks—like regular low‑impact exercise, balanced nutrition, and joint‑protective gear—can slow the clock. On the medical side, NSAIDs, topical creams, and sometimes prescription‑only options such as duloxetine or tramadol address pain and inflammation. Supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin are popular, though evidence varies, and they often appear in discussions about natural pain management.

Beyond drugs, physical therapy focuses on strengthening surrounding muscles, improving range of motion, and teaching proper movement patterns to reduce joint stress. In more advanced cases, joint injections (corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid) and surgical options like total joint replacement become viable. Each approach ties back to the core idea: managing the triad of pain, cartilage health, and inflammation can preserve function and keep you active. Below you’ll find a curated list of articles that dive deeper into specific medications, supplements, and lifestyle tips relevant to living with osteoarthritis.