Medical Encyclopaedia › Osteoarthritis (short definition)
In brief: Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease. The articular cartilage is gradually broken down, leading to pain, stiffness and restricted mobility. The knee, hip, fingers and spine are most frequently affected.
Causes and risk factors
Osteoarthritis develops when the load on a joint and its capacity to bear load are permanently mismatched. Risk factors are older age, overweight, previous joint injuries such as meniscus or cruciate ligament tears, malalignment, congenital joint malformations, inflammatory joint diseases and hereditary predisposition. Women are affected more often.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms are start-up pain after periods of rest, pain on loading, brief morning stiffness, and swelling and grating sounds. Over time, mobility can decrease considerably. Phases with an inflamed, irritated joint (“activated osteoarthritis”) are accompanied by effusion, warmth and pain at rest.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on symptoms, physical examination and usually an X-ray, which shows a narrowed joint space and bony outgrowths. X-ray findings and symptoms do not always correspond.
Treatment
The cornerstones are regular, joint-friendly exercise, targeted muscle training and, if overweight, weight loss; physiotherapy helps to get started. For pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including as a gel, are used for a limited time. Corticosteroid injections into the joint can relieve acute irritation. Aids such as supports, insoles or walking sticks relieve the load. The benefit of hyaluronic acid injections and many food supplements has not been reliably proven. In advanced osteoarthritis with severe impairment, an artificial joint can significantly improve quality of life.
When to see a doctor?
Medical advice is advisable for persistent joint pain, marked restriction of movement or swelling. A suddenly hot, red and very painful joint, especially with fever, must be examined promptly to rule out a joint infection.
Related terms in the encyclopaedia
Joint, Cartilage, Knee osteoarthritis, Hip osteoarthritis, Joint effusion, NSAIDs, Physiotherapy, Joint replacement, Strength training
Further reading on Medizin Aktuell
Sources
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie (DGOU): S2k-Leitlinie Gonarthrose, AWMF-Register 033-004
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie (DGOU): S2k-Leitlinie Koxarthrose
- IQWiG: gesundheitsinformation.de – Gesundheitsinformationen des Instituts für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen
Note: This article is for general information and does not replace advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor or pharmacist. Last updated: October 2026.