What is Osteoarthritis?

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Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, often referred to as "wear and tear" of the joints. It happens when the smooth protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones gradually wears down over time.
 

Common Symptoms
 

• Joint Stiffness: Usually asymmetric presentation affecting mainly the hands, knees, hips, and spine. Most noticeable first thing in the morning or after sitting for a while. Morning stiffness typically lasts less than 30 minutes.

• Pain During or After Movement: Deep, aching joint pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.

• Flexibility Loss: Difficulty bending or fully straightening the joint.

• Tenderness & Grating (Crepitus): A crunching, crackling, or grinding feeling when moving the joint.

• Bone Spurs: Hard lumps that can form around the affected joint.

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Effective Management Strategies

1. Movement & Exercise

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• Low-impact activities: Swimming, cycling, and walking keep joints mobile without heavy impact.

• Physical therapy: Strengthening the muscles around your joints (like your quadriceps for knee OA) reduces stress on the joint itself.
   

2. Weight Management

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• Losing even 1 pound of body weight reduces the pressure on your knees by 4 pounds with every step.
   

3. Pain Relief & Support

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• Topical Treatments: NSAID gels, capsaicin cream, arnica gel

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• Oral Medications: Tylenol (acetaminophen) or oral NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) when appropriate. Duloxetine (SNRI): FDA-approved for chronic musculoskeletal pain, including knee OA. Particularly useful when chronic pain state or central sensitization is present, or when NSAIDs are contraindicated (e.g., CKD, CAD, high GI risk).

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• Joint Supports: Braces, shoe inserts, or a cane can relieve load from painful joints.

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• Heat & Cold: Warm compresses ease stiffness before movement; cold packs soothe pain after activity.

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• Intra-articular steroid Injections when appropriate

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• Joint replacement surgery when appropriate

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• Heat & Cold: Warm compresses ease stiffness before movement; cold packs soothe pain after activity.