Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint condition where the cartilage that cushions your joints gradually wears down. This leads to the bones rubbing against each other, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced movement. It most commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine.

An analogy…

Think of cartilage like the rubber padding on the soles of your shoes. Over time, with constant use, that padding wears away, and you start feeling the hard ground beneath. That’s what happens inside your joints when you have osteoarthritis. The protective layer wears out, and the bones start to grind.

What are other names that osteoarthritis can be called?

• Knee Osteoarthritis
• Degenerative Joint Disease
• Wear-and-Tear Arthritis
• Degeneration of the knee

What causes osteoarthritis?

• Ageing
• Previous joint injuries (e.g. sprains, fractures, surgeries)
• Overuse or repetitive stress on a joint
• Obesity, which increases load on joints
• Genetics
• Poor joint alignment or muscle weakness
• Other joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or gout

What are the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis?

• Joint pain, especially after activity or at the end of the day
• Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after resting
• Swelling around the joint
• Reduced range of motion
• Grating, clicking, or popping sounds with movement
• Tenderness when pressing on the joint
• In advanced cases: joint deformity or instability

What tests are used to diagnose osteoarthritis?

Physical examination: Checks joint movement, tenderness, and swelling.

X-rays: Show joint space narrowing, bone spurs, and cartilage loss.

How long does osteoarthritis take to heal?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic, long-term condition that does not “heal” completely, but symptoms can be managed and improved. With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, people can reduce pain and stay active. Flare-ups can settle in a few days to weeks with treatment. Managing it well can prevent it from getting worse over time

How does osteoarthritis happen?

Osteoarthritis happens when cartilage in the joint breaks down over time, usually due to repeated stress, injury, or ageing. The bone underneath may thicken or form bone spurs, and the joint space narrows. This causes inflammation, stiffness, and pain, especially with movement or weight-bearing.

What treatment can help osteoarthritis?

• Exercise therapy
• Manual therapy: massage, joint mobilisation, and stretching
• Heat or ice packs to ease pain and stiffness
• Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections
• Assistive devices like braces, orthotics, or walking aids
• Joint replacement surgery in advanced cases when other treatments fail

What exercises or stretches can I do for osteoarthritis?

• Low-impact aerobic activity (e.g. walking, cycling, swimming)
• Strength training for surrounding muscles (e.g. quads, glutes)
• Range-of-motion exercises (e.g. knee bends, hip circles)
• Balance and stability training
• Stretching tight areas, such as hamstrings, calves, or hip flexors
• Pilates

What products can help with osteoarthritis?

• KT Pilates Band Pack
• KT Trigger Ball
• Wheat Bag