Osteoarthritis

Hip or knee pain from osteoarthritis can make any daily task or activity a struggle, and every step seem like a battle.

The swelling, stiffness and pain from osteoarthritis, can significantly affect your quality of life. These symptoms can worsen over time with repeated wear and tear. If this sounds like you, rest assured you are not alone – it is a common problem affecting millions of people worldwide.

Osteoarthritis usually develops gradually, and can be worsened by:

• Obesity
• Aging
• Injury
• Joint stress

Clinical trials are evaluating potential new treatments for people with osteoarthritis. Take our survey to be considered for an upcoming clinical trial. We also invite you to join our online community.

Diagnosis

Most doctors use the following methods to diagnose osteoarthritis and rule out other problems:

• Medical history
• Physical exam
• X-rays of the bone or images of the soft tissues in the joint
• Other tests such as blood tests or exams of the fluid in the joints

Causes & symptoms

Osteoarthritis is caused by the loss of cartilage - the lining over the bones that helps to cushion them. This causes swelling, pain and stiffness in the joints. 

Osteoarthritis usually worsens gradually over time. Some things might make it more likely, such as:

• Being overweight
• Getting older
• Joint injury
• Joints that are not properly formed
• A genetic defect in joint cartilage
• Stresses on the joints from certain jobs and playing sports

Symptoms and signs to watch for include:

• Stiffness in a joint after getting out of bed or sitting for a long time
• Swelling or tenderness in one or more joints
• A crunching feeling or the sound of bone rubbing on bone

Treatment

Current osteoarthritis treatments include pain and anti-inflammatory medications, weight management, physical activity and joint replacement surgery. For people living with hip and/or knee pain due to osteoarthritis, and for whom current pain medications do not work or cause unwanted side effects, a clinical trial may be an option to consider.

Clinical trials are exploring the development of new pain medicines that may help relieve symptoms for people who are living with hip and knee pain today and in the future.