Osteoarthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

To help our community better understand one of the most common diagnoses that our Department of Rheumatology encounters, Kimberly Hendricks, DO, provides some insight into arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis.

According to Dr. Hendricks,  osteoarthritis, which is considered “wear and tear” arthritis, is the most common form of arthritis, with an estimated 80% of individuals over the age of 55 having the condition.

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cushioning between an individual’s joints wears down over time, ultimately causing the joints to then begin rubbing bone on bone. This can cause a range of symptoms including localized joint pain, joint stiffness (typically in the mornings), loss of function, limited range of motion, pain with motion, and bony enlargement of the affected joints. For many patients, the pain from osteoarthritis can vary depending on the severity of their condition, but it does typically worsen with use and eases with rest. According to Mayo Clinic, risk factors associated with osteoarthritis include obesity, family history of osteoarthritis, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, and joint injuries. Osteoarthritis is also more commonly found in older women.

Although there is no way for an individual to completely avoid osteoarthritis, Dr. Hendricks states that maintaining a healthy weight and staying active can help decrease a patient’s risk of an osteoarthritis diagnosis interfering with their daily activities. Because osteoarthritis commonly occurs after a joint has been damaged, Dr. Hendricks suggests that any patient participating in sports wears appropriate sporting equipment to help lessen the likelihood of their diagnosis causing difficulties while staying active.

While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, Dr. Hendricks shares that there are many treatment options available to osteoarthritis patients including over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, and supplements such as glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids. She also recommends other treatment options such as tai chi, acupuncture, chiropractic treatment, and physical therapy.

If you are experiencing symptoms that you believe may be associated with osteoarthritis, Dr. Hendricks encourages you to seek a referral from your primary care provider. Any member of the Department of Rheumatology at Memorial Health System would be happy to see you and assume your care.

About Our Department of Rheumatology
Patients with a variety of diseases that are difficult to diagnose and treat are taken care of by our expert team of rheumatology providers. Specializing in the diagnosis and management of systemic autoimmune conditions and musculoskeletal diseases, these providers treat patients experiencing conditions such as arthritis, gout, lupus, and Sjogren’s syndrome.

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