What is osteoarthritis(OA)?
Osteoarthritis(OA) is a disease of joints affecting almost all people as they get older. Sometimes, it also affects young people.
![](https://minorityhealth.nur.cuhk.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/31-1024x541.jpg)
breakdown of cartilage → bones rub against each other → Pain, stiffness and loss of movement
- Signs and Symptoms
- Risk Factors
- How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?
- Preventive measures
Signs and Symptoms
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Loss of movement
- Swelling
- Redness and warm
Risk Factors
Modifiable risk factors
Non-modifiable risk factors
Being obese
![](https://minorityhealth.nur.cuhk.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/11-300x264.jpg)
- Age: Risk of developing OA increases with age.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop OA than men, especially after age 50
- Family medical history: People who have family members with OA are more likely to develop OA.
How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?
Osteoarthritis is diagnosed by a patient’s sign and symptoms and X-ray findings.
![](https://minorityhealth.nur.cuhk.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/31-768x406.jpg)
Preventive Measures
Maintain a healthy body weight
- Body Mass Index (BMI) Healthy BMI should be between 18.5 – 22.9Kg/m2
![](https://minorityhealth.nur.cuhk.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/03.jpg)
Do regular exercise (30 min every day)
![](https://minorityhealth.nur.cuhk.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/24-768x672.jpg)
Prevent occupational injury
- Proper management of related injuries can help prevent osteoarthritis.