Osteoarthritis - What will happen?

Osteoarthritis affects people in very different ways. People whose X-rays show signs that they have severe osteoarthritis may not have symptoms. But others, with less severe signs, may have a lot of pain and disability. No one knows for certain why this is.

Osteoarthritis can make you feel depressed and anxious, because you may worry about how you will cope if you become disabled by the condition. It's hard to predict what will happen to you as an individual. If your osteoarthritis is due to an injury, for example, then you may get symptoms earlier than other people do. Osteoarthritis usually gets worse slowly over time, but some people's pain and stiffness actually gets better. But, whatever the cause, there are many things that may help you avoid getting severe symptoms. Here are some of the things we know from research:

Being overweight increases the risk of osteoarthritis getting worse
Your osteoarthritis is more likely to get worse if you have heart disease or another chronic (long term) condition, because you are likely to be less mobile
If you have Heberden's nodes, which are lumps on the side of the finger joints nearest your fingernails, then your risk of developing symptoms is higher.

How much pain people can take differs enormously. This is one reason why some people with osteoarthritis find their joints hurt, while other people don't. But the following things are known to reduce pain and stiffness in most people with osteoarthritis.[1]

Simple aerobic exercise: You could try walking or swimming.
Learning about your disease: This may make you feel more in control and able to cope with what happens to you. Self-help courses have been shown to reduce pain and improve quality of life. Ask your GP about courses in your area.
Avoiding thick-soled shoes: People who are unsteady on their feet, especially anybody who is prone to falling over, should avoid thick-soled shoes as they make it harder to 'feel' the ground underfoot. For everybody else, shock-absorbing shoes are a good idea.
Walking sticks: Not everyone likes using walking sticks. Some people feel that they look old and disabled when using them. Others say that they couldn't walk down the street without them.
Support from family and friends.

References

Manek NJ, Lane NE. Osteoarthritis: current concepts in diagnosis and management. American Family Physician. 2000; 61: 1795-804.

This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.