Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and affects around 8 million people in the UK. The condition causes the joints to become stiff and painful due to prolonged wear and tear of the cartilage surrounding the joint, as well as changes to the underlying bone.
The main symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain in the joint, swelling and inflammation around the joint, stiffness, tenderness and a reduction in mobility.
Our expert orthopaedic team will be able to accurately diagnose osteoarthritis by assessing your symptoms and carrying out a physical examination. X-rays may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis, and you may be referred for an MRI to rule out any other conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms.
Depending on the severity of your osteoarthritis, treatment will vary but can include one or a combination of:
- Regular exercise
- Weight management
- Medications
- Physiotherapy
- Injections
- Surgery
Click the button below to find out more about osteoarthritis, its causes and symptoms, and what the various treatment options are.