Osteoarthritis is a very common condition which can affect any joint in the body. It’s most likely to affect the joints that bear most of our weight, such as the knees and feet. Joints that we use a lot in everyday life, such as the joints of the hand, are also commonly affected.

The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and sometimes stiffness in the affected joints. The pain tends to be worse when you move the joint or at the end of the day. Your joints may feel stiff after rest, but this usually wears off fairly quickly once you get moving. Symptoms may vary for no obvious reason. Or you may find that your symptoms vary depending on what you’re doing.

The affected joint may sometimes be swollen. The swelling may be:

• hard and knobbly, especially in the finger joints, caused by the growth of extra bone
• soft, caused by thickening of the joint lining and extra fluid inside the joint capsule.

The joint may not move as freely or as far as normal, and it may make grating or crackling sounds as you move it. This is called crepitus.

Living with osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can affect many different areas of your life, but there are things you can do to help reduce any problems it’s causing.

Managing at home

Depending on which joints are affected, there are lots of aids and adaptations to help you around the home, and some fairly simple changes can make a big difference.

If you’re not sure what’s available or how you might be able to reduce the strain on your joints, an occupational therapist will be able to advise you.

You may be able to get help with the costs of obtaining aids or having adaptations to your home. Eligibility varies depending on whether you live in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. Wherever you live, the first step is to ask your local authority for a needs assessment.

In work or education

Most people with arthritis can continue in their jobs, although you may need to make some changes to your working environment, especially if you have a physically demanding job.

Speak to your employer’s occupational health service if they have one, or your local Jobcentre Plus can put you in touch with Disability Employment Advisors who can arrange workplace assessments.

Contact your local JobCentre Plus for information about Access to Work, a government initiative to help people overcome barriers to starting or keeping a job.

If you’re going into higher education, you may be eligible for a Disabled Students’ Allowance. The allowance covers any extra costs or expenses students have because of a disability. For more information, visit the Disability Rights UK website.

Public transport

Information is available on the National Rail website about station accessibility, train and station facilities, and assistance options. Transport for London offers similar information on their website and has produced a guide to avoiding stairs on the London Tube network.

Other local authorities and transport providers produce similar guides to accessible bus, train and minicab services, and some run their own transport schemes.

Caring for yourself

The emotional effects of arthritis can have just as much impact as the physical symptoms. Severe or long-term pain that affects your daily life and possibly disturbs your sleep can affect your mood. From time to time, your arthritis may get on top of you. If you’re feeling low, talk to your GP, who can signpost you to the appropriate services. You can also call our helpline on 0800 5200 520, who will listen and offer emotional support.