CONDITION INFORMATION
Degenerative Joint Diseases
Joint pain and stiffness can have several causes. Osteoarthritis is one common degenerative joint condition, but pain alone does not confirm arthritis. An assessment considers the joint involved, symptoms, health history, and whether tests or specialist review are needed.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis involves changes in joint tissues and may cause pain, stiffness after rest, swelling, or reduced movement. It can affect the knees, hips, hands, neck, or lower back. Symptoms and impact vary between people, so care is tailored to the affected joint and daily activities.
NIAMS: Osteoarthritis Age-related joint changes
Joint and cartilage changes become more common with age, but an imaging finding does not by itself explain every person’s pain. A clinician should relate examination and imaging findings to symptoms and consider other causes such as injury, inflammatory arthritis, or infection.
National Institute on Aging: Osteoarthritis Chronic joint pain
Long-lasting joint pain can affect sleep, movement, work, and independence. The plan may include education, movement or rehabilitation, medication review, and referral to a rheumatologist or orthopaedic specialist when appropriate. Treatment aims and expected benefits should be discussed clearly.
Planning care
Bring a list of medicines, previous imaging, injuries, and activities that worsen or relieve symptoms. Seek prompt medical assessment for a suddenly hot, red, very swollen joint, especially with fever, because infection and other urgent causes need to be considered.
This page provides general health information, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan. Many of these conditions require specialist care. Do not stop or change prescribed treatment without speaking with your clinician.