Osteoarthritis

Information, resources and tools to help you manage your osteoarthritis symptoms and improve function.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. It affects more Canadians than all other forms of arthritis combined - more than 4 million Canadians, or 1 in 7 adults. OA is a progressive disease of the whole joint that leads to breakdown of joint cartilage and the underlying bone. (Cartilage is the tough elastic material that covers and protects the ends of bones).

Healty knee joint and damaged asteoarthritis knee OA is a result of the body’s failed attempt to repair damaged joint tissues. For most people this damage can occur when otherwise healthy joints are exposed to heavy workloads over a long period of time. However, for some individuals whose joints are formed differently or who have experienced a previous joint injury, even normal workloads can accelerate joint damage. Being overweight or obese is a risk factor.

While the risk of OA increases with age, OA is not an “old person’s disease”. Nearly one third of people with OA report being diagnosed before the age of 45. Expecting to be at the peak of their social and professional lives, these younger adults feel unexpectedly sidelined. The debilitating impact of OA on younger adults can be similar, or even worse, than on seniors.

There is currently no cure for OA. However, there are ways to manage the symptoms and improve function. They include a combination of self-management strategies, medications, treatment by healthcare professionals specializing in orthopedic care and – for severe OA – possibly joint replacement surgery.

Click on the cards below to learn about osteoarthritis and how to manage it to live well.