Joint Replacement
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time — most commonly in the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
What It Is
A Manageable, Chronic Condition
Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition. There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed effectively. Many people live well with osteoarthritis through a combination of lifestyle changes, treatments, and sometimes surgery.
It develops when cartilage breaks down faster than the body can repair it, and symptoms usually develop slowly and worsen over time.
Symptoms
How Osteoarthritis Feels
- Pain — during or after movement; may ache after periods of inactivity.
- Stiffness — most noticeable in the morning or after sitting; usually improves with movement.
- Tenderness — the joint may feel tender under light pressure.
- Loss of flexibility — reduced range of motion in the joint.
- Grating sensation — a grinding feeling or sound when using the joint.
- Bone spurs & swelling — hard lumps and soft-tissue inflammation around the joint.
Causes & Risk Factors
Who Is at Risk
- Age — risk increases with age; most common after 50.
- Obesity — excess weight stresses weight-bearing joints like knees and hips.
- Joint injuries — previous injuries, even healed ones, increase later risk.
- Repetitive stress — jobs or activities that repeatedly stress a joint.
- Genetics & gender — an inherited tendency; women are more likely, especially after menopause.
- Bone deformities — malformed joints or defective cartilage increase risk.
Diagnosis
How Osteoarthritis Is Diagnosed
01
Physical Examination
Checking for tenderness, swelling, range of motion, and joint stability.
02
X-rays
Show cartilage loss (joint space narrowing), bone spurs, and bone changes.
03
MRI & Blood Tests
MRI gives detailed images of cartilage and soft tissue (not always necessary). Blood tests help rule out other arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment · Step One
Non-Surgical Treatment
Most people with osteoarthritis are treated without surgery. A combination of approaches works best.
- Exercise — strengthens muscles around joints, improves flexibility, and reduces pain. Low-impact options include walking, swimming, and cycling.
- Weight management — losing even a small amount of weight significantly reduces joint stress and pain.
- Physiotherapy — a structured programme to improve strength, flexibility, and function.
- Medications — paracetamol for mild pain; NSAIDs for pain and inflammation; topical creams and gels.
- Injections — corticosteroids for inflammation; hyaluronic acid for lubrication.
- Assistive devices — walking sticks, braces, shoe inserts, and ergonomic tools.
Treatment · When Needed
When Surgery May Be Considered
Surgery is considered when conservative treatments no longer provide adequate relief and the condition significantly affects quality of life.
- Joint replacement — removes damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with artificial components. Most common for knee and hip.
- Osteotomy — cutting and repositioning bone to shift weight away from the damaged area; may delay replacement in younger patients.
- Arthroscopy — keyhole surgery to clean out the joint; limited role in osteoarthritis and not routinely recommended.
Red Flags
Seek Emergency Care
See a doctor promptly if you experience:
- Joint pain with fever or chills (possible infection)
- Sudden severe joint swelling
- A joint that looks red, feels hot, or is extremely tender
- Rapid worsening of symptoms
- Inability to bear weight on the joint
Get Started
Is Joint Pain Limiting Your Activities?
Call +966 50 580 8852 to schedule an evaluation and discuss your options.
Related
Related Joint Care
Total Knee Replacement
When knee arthritis no longer responds to conservative care.
Joint Replacement Hub
An overview of joint replacement — causes, options, and what to expect.