Tendinopathy
Explore causes, symptoms, and treatment
Osteoarthritis
Understanding osteoarthritis: causes, symptoms, and treatment options
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of joint disease,¹ caused by the gradual breakdown of cartilage – the smooth, protective tissue that cushions the ends of bones.
What happens in osteoarthritis
Healthy cartilage allows bones to glide easily within a joint. In osteoarthritis:
- The cartilage thins and cracks, reducing shock absorption
- The underlying bone hardens and forms spurs (osteophytes)
- The joint fluid becomes less viscous, lowering its ability to lubricate and protect
- Inflammation can develop, contributing to ongoing discomfort and stiffness
The result is a cycle of pain and reduced movement, often progressing slowly over years.
How it occurs
As cartilage wears away, bones begin to rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of mobility.
Who it affects
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but it most often impacts the knees, hips, hands, and spine, limiting movement and quality of life for millions worldwide.²
Causes & Symptoms
Osteoarthritis develops due to a combination of biological, mechanical, and lifestyle factors:2–4
- Ageing – natural wear and slower tissue repair over time
- Joint overuse or repetitive strain – from sport, physical work, or daily activity
- Previous injury or surgery – disrupting joint alignment or cartilage health
- Obesity – increasing mechanical load and inflammatory stress on joints
- Genetic predisposition – family history of osteoarthritis
- Hormonal changes – particularly after menopause
Understanding these factors helps patients and clinicians tailor prevention and management strategies.
When to talk to a healthcare professional
Consult a healthcare professional if:
- Pain or stiffness persists beyond a few weeks
- You notice increasing difficulty with daily movements such as walking, climbing stairs, or gripping objects
- Symptoms worsen despite rest or self-care
Early diagnosis can help slow disease progression and allow for more effective, tailored treatment.
Treatment and management
Effective management is “multimodal,” combining different therapies to support the management of symptoms and maintain joint function:2
Non-pharmacological therapies are the “cornerstone” of osteoarthritis care and should be maintained throughout the disease course.
- Lifestyle changes: Weight loss and diet adjustments help reduce the mechanical load on affected joints
- Physical therapy: Aerobic activity, muscle strengthening, and range-of-motion exercises help support joint stability
- Self-care: Using local heat, proper footwear, or walking aids can assist in managing daily discomfort
Our treatment
Hyaluronic acid is a molecule naturally found in healthy joints, where it acts as a lubricant and shock absorber.5-7 In osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid concentration declines, reducing the joint’s ability to glide smoothly.14 Injecting hyaluronic acid directly into the joint:
- Restores viscosity and joint lubrication.5-6
- Reduces friction and pain.5-7
- Supports natural tissue function and repair.7
This makes hyaluronic acid therapy a valuable part of non-surgical osteoarthritis management.
References
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Chen D, Shen J, Zhao W, et al. Osteoarthritis: toward a Comprehensive Understanding of Pathological Mechanism. Bone Research 2017;5(1):1–13.
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GBD 2021 Osteoarthritis Collaborators. Global, regional, and national burden of osteoarthritis, 1990-2020 and projections to 2050: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Lancet Rheumatol. 2023;5(9):e508–e522.
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Altman RD. Early management of osteoarthritis. Am J Manag Care. 2010;16. Suppl Management:S41–7.
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Chen D, Shen J, Zhao W, et al. Osteoarthritis: toward a comprehensive understanding of pathological mechanism. Bone Res. 2017;17(5):16044.
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de Rezende MU, de Campos GC. Viscosupplementation. Rev Bras Ortop Engl Ed. 2012;47(2):160–164.
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Sherman SL, Gudeman AS, Kelly JD 4th, et al. Mechanisms of Action of Intra-articular Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Targeted Review of the Literature. Am J Sports Med. 2025;53(11):2771–2782.
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Migliore A, Procopio S. Effectiveness and utility of hyaluronic acid in osteoarthritis. Clinical Cases in Mineral and Bone Metabolism 2015;12(1):31–33.
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Ostenil® IFU. Available at: https://www.trbchemedica.de/mediathek/ostenil-beipackzettel-ifu-mdr/ (accessed March 2026).