Spotlight: osteoarthritis - Pavilion Health Today

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of disability in the UK. It is common in the elderly, usually affecting the hands, knees, hips, feet and spine. NICE defines OA as persistent joint pain that is worse with use in a patient who is 45 years old and over and there may be morning stiffness lasting no more than half an hour.

By Jane Wilcock On 11 Apr 2013 Last updated 12 Apr 2024

Up to 20 years ago osteoarthritis (OA) was described as ‘wear and tear’ and although previous injury is a risk factor, it is now recognised that OA has an inflammatory component. Joint pain due to OA accounts for 5% of GP consultations.1 In the UK 25% of the over 50 year old age group report knee pain lasting over three months (in the previous year) and 33% report pain at any site interfering with their activities. Age is a risk factor for OA but the prevalence of OA is difficult to determine because x-ray changes and knee pain are weakly

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arthritis care osteoarthritis