Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center

Knee and Hip Replacement

Recognizing Osteoarthritis and Managing the Pain

You probably know someone with osteoarthritis – or have a few symptoms yourself. Almost 80 percent of people who reach the age of 70 can expect to suffer some effects of the disease, and it’s not unusual for symptoms to appear at earlier ages. They range from minor to severe and include:

• Pain in the joint that tends to worsen at the end of the day
• Stiffness after long periods of inactivity
• Tenderness and swelling in the joint
• Deformity of the joint in later stages of the disease

Early in the disease, you may not notice any pain or marked difference in your mobility. But as it progresses and as you age, osteoarthritis begins to restrict the range of motion of your joints and can become painful. Moderate cases can be treated with acetaminophen or over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), along with exercise and a weight-reduction program. Hyaluronic acid supplements may also help improve joint strength and resiliency by holding natural moisture in joints and cartilage.

If your symptoms are severe, you should see a physician. Your doctor may prescribe higher-dose NSAIDs and corticosteroid injections or surgery, such as joint debridement that resurfaces the joint or, in advanced cases, hip or knee replacement.

The Arthritis Foundation offers interactive assessments of your risk for osteoarthritis and your symptoms.