Osteoarthritis is a common condition caused by gradual wear of joint cartilage. This page provides general information on typical symptoms, risk factors, how it is evaluated and which specialists can assist with assessment and onward care.
Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint condition marked by gradual loss of cartilage and changes in joint surfaces. It most often affects weight‑bearing joints such as the knee and hip, and also the hands and spine. Over time cartilage thins and bones around the joint can change, which may limit movement.
Common signs include joint pain that worsens with use, brief morning stiffness, increasing discomfort during movement, a grating or crackling sensation (crepitus) and reduced range of motion. These symptoms can make walking, climbing stairs or fine hand tasks harder and affect daily functioning.
Risk increases with age, repeated joint loading from work or sport, previous joint injuries, excess body weight and some inherited tendencies. General measures that may reduce joint strain include weight management, adopting joint‑protecting movement habits, low‑impact exercise and ergonomic adjustments. These are general approaches—talk with a clinician for personalised advice.
Diagnosis usually starts with a clinical assessment of symptoms and function; imaging such as X‑rays may be used to look for structural changes when needed. Depending on the presentation, specialists who commonly assess osteoarthritis include orthopaedic surgeons, physical medicine & rehabilitation (physiatrists) and rheumatologists. Your primary care clinician can help determine the most appropriate referral.
Seek urgent assessment if you have sudden, severe joint pain with a visible deformity after trauma, rapidly worsening swelling, high fever accompanying joint pain, or loss of joint movement following injury. In such cases contact emergency services or present to urgent care.
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