- Around 595 million people (7.6% of the world's population) had osteoarthritis in 2020; the knee is the most affected joint (Lancet Rheumatology, 2023).
- Knee osteoarthritis cases are projected to rise by almost 75% by 2050.
- Excess weight is linked to about 20% of osteoarthritis cases; every kilogram lost reduces the load on the knee several times over.
What happens inside the joint
Osteoarthritis is a process in which the cartilage covering the ends of the bones thins and loses its elasticity. The bone underneath reacts by forming small outgrowths (osteophytes), and the joint becomes stiff and painful, especially after exertion or after periods of inactivity.
In the knee it is called gonarthrosis, in the hip coxarthrosis. Both are common after 50, but age is not the only factor: weight, old injuries, heavy physical work and genetic predisposition matter just as much.
How to recognise osteoarthritis
Unlike arthritis, osteoarthritis pain is mechanical: it appears with movement and exertion and eases with rest. There is morning stiffness, but it usually lasts under 30 minutes.
- Pain going up and down stairs, standing up from a chair, after prolonged walking
- Cracking or grinding noises with movement, a sense of friction
- Stiffness after sitting or in the morning that passes within minutes
- In the hip: groin pain, sometimes radiating to the knee, difficulty putting on shoes
- Episodes of knee swelling after overuse
Why movement is the main treatment
Instinct says to protect the joint by staying still. The evidence says the opposite: cartilage is nourished through movement, and strong muscles around the joint absorb part of the shock. All international guidelines, including EULAR's, put exercise and patient education first, ahead of medication.
The key is the type of movement: low-impact, progressive activities done regularly. Three sessions a week of 20–30 minutes bring a measurable reduction in pain within 6–8 weeks for most patients.
- Walking on flat ground, stationary cycling, swimming or water exercise
- Strengthening the quadriceps (thigh muscle): straight-leg raises while seated, half squats against a wall
- Hip mobility exercises: controlled leg swings, gentle stretches
- Avoid running on asphalt, jumping and deep squats during painful periods
Joint protection in everyday life
Joint protection does not mean immobilisation, but smart habits that reduce stress on the knee and hip. Body weight is the factor with the greatest impact: losing 5–10% of your weight significantly reduces pain and slows the progression of osteoarthritis.
- Shoes with cushioned soles and no high heels; custom insoles if you have flat feet
- Use the handrail on stairs and avoid kneeling for long periods
- A cane held in the hand opposite the painful hip or knee reduces the load by up to 30%
- Alternate standing and sitting; change position every 30–40 minutes
- Apply heat for stiffness and ice for swelling after exertion
Medication, injections and surgery: where they fit
Medicines play a supporting role: paracetamol and topical or oral anti-inflammatories in short courses, to allow you to move. Corticosteroid injections can calm a flare of swelling, and hyaluronic acid injections may help some patients, although the evidence is modest. Supplements such as glucosamine have not shown clear benefits.
Knee or hip replacement is an excellent solution when the pain no longer responds to anything and severely limits your life. Your rheumatologist helps you understand whether and when that moment has come and refers you to an orthopaedic surgeon.
When to see a doctor
- Knee or hip pain limits your walking or wakes you at night
- The knee swells repeatedly or locks
- You are under 45 with persistent joint pain and no injury
- The pain has worsened suddenly, with redness and local warmth
Frequently asked questions
If it hurts, shouldn't I rest?
Short rest during an acute episode of swelling is useful, but prolonged rest weakens the muscles and worsens stiffness. The practical rule: movement that causes mild discomfort but not more intense pain the next day is safe.
Does osteoarthritis always end in a joint replacement?
No. Most patients with osteoarthritis never need surgery. Controlled weight, regular exercise and proper management of painful episodes can keep a joint functional for decades.
Does damp weather make my osteoarthritis worse?
Many patients notice more pain when the weather changes, and some studies confirm a link with atmospheric pressure. However, the weather does not damage the joint; it only changes how pain is perceived.
Sources
- GBD 2021 – Global, regional, and national burden of osteoarthritis, 1990–2020 and projections to 2050 (Lancet Rheumatology, 2023)
- WHO – Musculoskeletal health (fact sheet, 2022)
- National Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of Moldova – Statistical Yearbook 2025, table 8.15
The data presented come from public sources and published scientific studies; they describe populations, not individuals. A diagnosis is made only after a medical consultation. Laromed Clinic updates this page periodically as new data become available.
