What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the UK. It is a condition that mainly affects women than men and is more common as you age as it is a degenerative condition. It occurs when the cartilage that protects the joints breakdown through wear and tear. Any of the joints in the body can be affected but it most commonly affects the knees, hips and small joints in the hands.

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis are:

Joint pain
Mobility issues
Stiffness of the joint which may be more noticeable after sleeping or inactivity

What are the causes of osteoarthritis?

The causes of the onset of osteoarthritis are not currently known but there are a number of risk factors associated with it:

Genetics: In more than 60% of cases, genetic inheritance influences the appearance of osteoarthritis.
Physical activity: athletes and people who maintain high physical activity have a higher risk of suffering from osteoarthritis due to the wear on the joint
Repetitive movements: those who perform repetitive joint movements in their day, from work or lifestyle can wear down the joints and overload them
Menopause: osteoarthritis commonly affects women who have reached menopause due to the decrease in oestrogen
Injuries: fractures and traumas in the joints can influence osteoarthritis
Obesity: although it does not directly cause the onset of osteoarthritis, obesity influences wear and tear of the joints and therefore the progression of the condition

Can I prevent osteoarthritis?

It isn’t possible to prevent yourself from getting Osteoarthritis completely but maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet and loosing excess weight would be beneficial.

What are the treatments for osteoarthritis?

Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication may help initially to reduce swelling and therefore pain. Physical activity is important to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint and loose weight (if necessary) to reduce the pressure on the joint.

If the osteoarthritis is advanced and not responding to non-surgical treatment then surgery such as a hip replacement of knee replacement may be considered.

How do I book a consultation?

You can book either a face to face or virtual consultation with Mr Makrides by contacting his secretary. You can find her details here.

Appointments are available via private medical insurance or paying for yourself. Click here for the most up to date self funding fees, and here for private medical insurance information.