Painful, progressive: 10 things to know about Osteoarthritis

Painful, progressive: 10 things to know about Osteoarthritis

By Namita S Kalla | July 18, 2025 |  Image: Canva

What is Osteoarthritis?

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Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition that comes with ageing and excess weight. It is the world’s most common arthritis, affecting those adults over fifty, with growing impact on daily function

Understand the joint wear

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Osteoarthritis breaks down protective cartilage, reducing cushion between bones, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving freely

Not just knees

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Knees and hips are common,  but Osteoarthritis also hits fingers,  lower back, neck, shoulders, even  the base of thumbs

Risk goes beyond age

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While it is mostly associated with ageing, post injuries, weight gain, repetitive use, genetics, and joint shape can all raise the risk, and not just the passing years

Women are more prone

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After menopause, women, especially  in India, are more likely to develop Osteoarthritis, particularly in  the knees and finger joints

Pain, discomfort, and more

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Osteoarthritis may cause joint deformity, muscle weakness, sleep trouble, and long-term emotional stress linked to ongoing physical discomfort

Prefer management over cure

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Osteoarthritis has no cure, but  pain, stiffness, and mobility issues  can be managed with exercise,  therapy, and supportive care

Moving more still matters

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Even if it aches at first, walking,  yoga, swimming or cycling helps  ease stiffness and strengthens  joint-supporting muscles

Don’t let pain limit daily life

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When pain limits daily life, joint replacements, like hips or knees,  can restore function and offer  lasting pain relief

Act on symptoms

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Early care, healthy diet, exercise, therapy, and medication, can  slow Osteoarthritis’ progression  and help preserve movement  and daily independence

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