Osteoarthritis: Managing Degenerative Joint Disease

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. In the Philippines, as the population ages and obesity rates rise, osteoarthritis has become an increasingly significant health concern. Understanding this condition—its causes, progression, and management—can help you maintain mobility and quality of life despite joint wear.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. Often called "wear and tear" arthritis, OA primarily affects the joints of the hands, knees, hips, and spine, though it can occur in any joint.

Unlike inflammatory types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune condition, osteoarthritis results primarily from mechanical wear, though inflammation does play a role in its progression.

Understanding Joint Structure and OA

To understand osteoarthritis, it helps to know how joints work:

Healthy Joint Components:

Cartilage: Smooth, white tissue covering bone ends, allowing frictionless movement
Synovial Membrane: Produces fluid that lubricates the joint
Ligaments: Connect bones and stabilize the joint
Tendons: Connect muscles to bones
Muscles: Provide movement and support

In Osteoarthritis:

Cartilage breaks down and becomes rough
Bone surfaces rub against each other
The joint becomes inflamed
Bone spurs may form
Joint shape changes
Muscles may weaken
Pain, stiffness, and reduced function result

Who Gets Osteoarthritis?

Risk Factors You Cannot Change:

Age: Risk increases significantly after 50
Gender: Women are more likely to develop OA, especially after menopause
Genetics: Family history of OA increases risk
Joint Injuries: Previous injury, even decades ago, increases risk
Bone Abnormalities: Congenital joint malformation

Risk Factors You Can Modify:

Obesity: Excess weight puts stress on weight-bearing joints and produces inflammatory substances
Occupation: Jobs requiring repetitive joint stress
Sports: High-impact sports with joint stress
Muscle Weakness: Strong muscles protect joints
Poor Posture: Contributes to joint misalignment

Osteoarthritis in the Philippine Context

Several factors make OA management challenging in the Philippines:

Economic Factors: Many cannot afford medications or joint replacement surgery.

Occupational Risks: Many Filipinos work in jobs that stress joints—farming, construction, factory work, and even prolonged standing in retail.

Lifestyle Factors: Rising obesity rates and decreasing physical activity contribute to OA prevalence.

Cultural Attitudes: Joint pain may be dismissed as a normal part of aging rather than a treatable condition.

Access to Care: Rheumatologists and orthopedic specialists are concentrated in urban areas.

Recognizing Osteoarthritis Symptoms

OA develops gradually, and symptoms typically include:

Pain:

Aching during or after movement
Worse after prolonged activity
May improve with rest initially, but rest pain can develop later
Often worse at the end of the day

Stiffness:

Usually worst in the morning or after sitting
Typically lasts less than 30 minutes (unlike inflammatory arthritis)
Improves with gentle movement

Other Symptoms:

Reduced range of motion
Grating sensation (crepitus) during movement
Swelling around the joint
Joint instability
Bone spurs (visible or palpable around joints)
Weakness in muscles around the joint

Commonly Affected Joints:

Knees (most common weight-bearing joint)
Hips
Hands (especially base of thumb, fingertips)
Lower back (lumbar spine)
Neck (cervical spine)
Feet (big toe)

Diagnosis

If you have persistent joint symptoms, your doctor may:

Take a medical history and examine affected joints
Order X-rays (may show cartilage loss, bone spurs, narrowed joint space)
Request blood tests (to rule out other types of arthritis)
Sometimes order MRI for detailed images
Analyze joint fluid if swelling is present

Early diagnosis allows for earlier intervention, which can slow progression.

Treatment: A Comprehensive Approach

OA management combines multiple strategies:

1. Lifestyle Modifications:

Weight Management: Perhaps the most important modifiable factor for weight-bearing joints. Losing even 5-10% of body weight can significantly reduce pain.

Exercise: Essential for OA management:

Low-impact aerobic exercise: Walking, swimming, cycling
Strengthening exercises: Build muscles that support joints
Range of motion exercises: Maintain flexibility
Balance exercises: Prevent falls

Start slowly and increase gradually. "Motion is lotion" for arthritic joints.

Joint Protection:

Avoid activities that stress joints
Use good body mechanics
Take rest breaks during activities
Use assistive devices when needed

2. Medications:

Pain Relief:

Paracetamol: Often first choice, fewer side effects
NSAIDs: Ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac—effective but risk of stomach and heart side effects
Topical treatments: Capsaicin cream, diclofenac gel—work locally with fewer systemic effects
Duloxetine: An antidepressant that can help with chronic OA pain

Injections:

Corticosteroids: Provide temporary relief (3-4 months); limit frequency due to cartilage damage risk
Hyaluronic acid: May provide months of relief for some patients
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): Emerging treatment using patient's own blood

3. Physical Therapy:

A physical therapist can:

Design an appropriate exercise program
Teach joint protection techniques
Use modalities (heat, cold, electrical stimulation)
Recommend assistive devices
Help improve posture and body mechanics

4. Assistive Devices:

Canes or walkers for mobility
Braces or splints for support
Shoe inserts (orthotics)
Jar openers, button hooks, and other adaptive equipment
Raised toilet seats and grab bars at home

5. Surgery:

When conservative treatment fails:

Arthroscopy: Sometimes helpful for specific mechanical problems
Osteotomy: Realigning bones to shift weight away from damaged areas
Joint Replacement: Replacing damaged joint with artificial joint (knee and hip most common)

Living with Osteoarthritis

Daily Strategies:

Pace activities; alternate rest and movement
Apply heat before activity, cold after
Use assistive devices without embarrassment
Prioritize tasks and don't overdo on good days
Maintain a healthy sleep routine

Exercise Tips:

Warm up before exercise
Stop if you have sharp pain
Some mild discomfort is normal; severe pain is not
Choose low-impact activities
Exercise in warm water if available

Diet Considerations:

Maintain healthy weight
Eat anti-inflammatory foods (fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts)
Limit processed foods and sugar
Stay hydrated
Some find glucosamine and chondroitin supplements helpful (evidence mixed)

Emotional Well-being

Living with chronic pain can affect mental health:

Acknowledge the emotional impact
Stay connected with family and friends
Join support groups
Consider counseling if needed
Focus on what you can do, not what you can't

Prevention and Slowing Progression

While OA cannot be completely prevented, you can reduce risk and slow progression:

Maintain healthy weight
Stay physically active
Protect joints during activities
Treat injuries promptly
Strengthen muscles that support joints
Maintain good posture

Hope for the Future

Research into osteoarthritis treatment continues, with promising developments in:

Disease-modifying drugs that may slow cartilage loss
Regenerative medicine (stem cell therapy, cartilage repair)
Better understanding of pain mechanisms
Improved surgical techniques and implants

While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, effective management can significantly reduce pain, maintain function, and preserve quality of life. Work with your healthcare team to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs.

"Hindi hadlang ang edad sa pagiging aktibo." (Age is not a barrier to staying active.)