Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the UK, affecting around 9 million people. It involves the gradual breakdown of joint cartilage, most commonly in the knees, hips, hands and spine, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. While there is no cure, exercise, weight management and a range of therapies can significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
See therapies that may helpOsteoarthritis (OA) occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in joints gradually breaks down, causing bones to rub together, producing pain, inflammation and, over time, changes in joint structure. It can affect any joint but most commonly affects the knees, hips, hands and lower spine.
OA is not simply "wear and tear" — it is a dynamic process involving cartilage, bone, synovial fluid, and surrounding tissues. Risk factors include age (it is more common after 45), previous joint injury, obesity, and genetic predisposition. It is more common in women than men.
OA ranges in severity from mild (occasional stiffness and discomfort) to severe (significant pain, deformity and disability requiring joint replacement). Most people with OA experience symptoms somewhere in this range, and with appropriate management many remain active and functional for years.
Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
Exercise is the single most evidence-based treatment for osteoarthritis and is strongly recommended by NICE. It reduces pain, improves function and strengthens the muscles that support and protect affected joints. The benefits of exercise in OA are comparable to those of pain medication, without the side effects.
If you have persistent joint pain, stiffness or swelling, a GP assessment is the appropriate starting point. OA is usually diagnosed clinically — imaging may be used to confirm diagnosis but X-ray changes do not always correlate with symptom severity.
The Escape-Pain programme is an evidence-based group rehabilitation programme specifically for knee and hip OA, available free through many NHS services and gyms. Ask your GP about referral.
Showing 2 therapies linked to Osteoarthritis support.
| Therapy | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrotherapist |
moderate
|
Water-based exercise can support movement with reduced load. |
| Acupuncturist |
mixed
|
Adjunct support for pain/stiffness; not disease-modifying. |
Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for osteoarthritis and is strongly recommended by NICE. Avoiding activity leads to muscle weakness and joint stiffness that worsen pain and function. Low-impact activities such as swimming, cycling, walking and hydrotherapy are particularly well tolerated and produce significant benefits.
Not necessarily — OA progression is highly variable. Many people experience stable symptoms for years, and some find symptoms actually improve with appropriate management. Exercise, weight management and staying active significantly reduce the risk of progression and functional decline.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition involving cartilage breakdown, typically affecting larger joints asymmetrically. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition involving joint inflammation, typically affecting smaller joints symmetrically and associated with systemic symptoms. Morning stiffness lasting more than an hour is more characteristic of inflammatory arthritis. A GP can distinguish between the two.
There is currently no cure for OA — the cartilage damage cannot be reversed. However, symptoms can be very effectively managed through exercise, weight management, physical therapies and, where necessary, medication or surgery. Many people with OA live active, full lives with appropriate management.
Joint replacement surgery (typically knee or hip) is considered when pain and functional limitation are severe, quality of life is significantly affected, and conservative treatments have not provided adequate relief. It is highly effective for appropriate candidates. Your GP or orthopaedic surgeon can assess whether you are a suitable candidate.