Topic overview

Start with the big picture

Osteoarthritis most often affects the knees, hips, and hands. Typical features include pain related to activity, brief stiffness, bony enlargement, crepitus, and reduced range of motion; systemic signs are absent. Diagnosis is often clinical when the presentation is typical, with radiographs showing changes such as joint-space narrowing, osteophytes, and sclerosis. Management begins with education, exercise, physical therapy, and weight loss where appropriate. Medication options include topical or oral analgesics, with selection guided by contraindications and risks. Injections and other therapies may be considered for selected patients, while opioids are reserved for refractory severe pain. The full lesson also addresses monitoring, safety, and surgical management.