Osteoarthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes pain and inflammation in different joints throughout the body.  Any joint can be affected, but the knees, hips, hands and the upper and lower back are the most common sites for arthritis pain.  Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of arthritis in older people.  It is sometimes known as degenerative joint disease (or, in the back, degenerative disc disease).  Patients often experience joint pain, swelling, discomfort and stiffness.

Researchers believe that osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear on the joints over time.  Prior injuries, a history of heavy physical labor or contact sports, and genetic factors can also contribute to the development of the disease.  Osteoarthritis is the most frequent cause of disability in older adults.  Osteoarthritis, while degenerative,  is not an autoimmune disorder like rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis.  Heat and redness generally do not accompany the joint pain and swelling, as in these disorders.

Arthritis treatment isdesigned to increase comfort and flexibility. Low impact exercise programs keep joints flexible.  Exercise needs to be done in moderation and with the advice of a physician.  Exercise can also elevate mood, decrease pain (over time) and improve memory.  It helps you maintain a healthy weight, and being overweight puts extra strain on arthritic joints.  Flexibility exercises such as Yoga and Tai Chi can also be helpful in treating osteoarthritis.

Many people find that moist heat relieves joint pain, but some prefer cold packs.  Heat is thought to increase blood flow to the area, while cold decreases the blood flow to the area.  Patients often try both approaches to see what works best for them. In some cases a doctor will recommend a night time splint to allow the joints and muscles to rest in a normal position while sleeping.  This helps decrease the risk of the joints stiffening.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are medications sometimes used to decrease swelling and reduce pain.  NSAIDs include the over the counter drugs Ibuprofen and naproxen and other drugs that are only available by prescription.  Some patients report that glucosamine and chondroitin (available over the counter) helps decrease pain and improve joint flexibility and range of motion over time.  Some research supports this assertion.

Doctors may also inject steroids such as cortisone into arthritic joints to give several months of pain relief.  These medications can have side effects, and steroid injections are usually not advised more frequently than once every several months.

Alternative treatments such as acupuncture and massage give relief to some.  Acupuncture is thought by practitioners to unblock the flow of chi (vital energy) in the body.  Western scientists see it differently, but studies show that it can be effective in relieving pain.  Massage has also been shown to relieve the pain of arthritis.  Physical therapists have other treatment modalities that benefit some patients.

Joint replacement surgery is used when the joints have degenerated to the point that the person has difficulty walking.  The goal of surgery is to decrease the pain and disability allowing the patient to improve their mobility.  Less radical surgery is sometimes used to correct problems in arthritic joints.

Stronger pain medications, such as opiates, are sometimes used when there is severe pain accompanying the arthritis.  Other pain management approaches can also be helpful, including relaxation, biofeedback, and hypnosis. Patients with osteoarthritis will likely have some chronic pain for the rest of their lives.  The goal is usually to help them have a good life anyway – even though they may always have chronic pain.