Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is probably one of the most common conditions to present to a GP.

	Symptoms
	The joint, if you can see it, will be swollen. It will be stiff and painful, especially in a morning. As the day goes by and you use the joint the symptoms tend to improve, the joint warms up and feels less sore. At night, when the joint is still, it becomes stiff and painful. So people wake in the night with pain. In osteoarthritis of the hip joint, the pain is very common, people start to limp because of the pain, but also because the joint has squashed and become smaller. The patient with an osteoarthritis hip will notice that the affected leg is shorter than the 'normal' leg.
	Treatment
	The best treatment is to keep mobile and active, taking painkillers such as Paracetamol or Paracetamol based medications, and if necessary, especially when the joints are swollen, hot and more painful, taking anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen. You should speak to your doctor. He or she will advise appropriately, and prescribe if necessary.
	Prevention
	Injuries involving the joints tend to lead to an increased risk of osteoarthritis affecting that joint in later life (usually many years later): Avoid being overweight. Excess weight increases the load on the joints Remain active Seek advice from your doctor or physiotherapist if you develop joint problems Don't exercise a joint if it swollen or very painful