This article has been fact-checked by Dr Toon Donald Hao.
Osteoarthritis is the commonest form of arthritis, affecting more than 500 million people globally. Its burden is particularly high in Asian populations. The sedentary lifestyles, rising obesity, and occupational joint strain are major contributors 1,3. While early symptoms may be subtle, knowing when to see an orthopaedic specialist can ensure timely intervention, prevent the disease progression and preserve the quality of life.
Understanding osteoarthritis and its impact
Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones gradually wears down over time. The cartilage breakdown is associated with hardening of the bones just beneath the cartilage and inflammation of the synovial membrane that lines the joint cavity 1. It is also associated with formation of bone spurs or osteophytes 2. It is no longer regarded as simple “wear and tear” but as a complex, whole-joint disease.
Osteoarthritis typically affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips and spine. It develops gradually, often starting with mild stiffness or discomfort that worsens with activity and improves with rest. In Asia, cultural habits and traditional postures such as sitting on the floor, squatting, and genetic predispositions, may contribute to earlier and more severe disease 3. Women, particularly postmenopausal women, are at higher risks due to hormonal and biomechanical factors4.
When to seek specialist care
Some people manage their symptoms well through simple measures while in others, the joint pain starts to interfere with daily life. Patients often delay consulting an orthopaedic specialist, assuming joint pain is an inevitable part of ageing. However, certain signs indicate it may be time for professional evaluation:
- Pain lasting for weeks or interfering with everyday activities or sleep
- Morning stiffness longer than 30 minutes or pain after inactivity
- Swelling, visible deformity, misalignment, or enlarged joints
- Reduced mobility, such as difficulty climbing stairs or sitting cross-legged
- Grinding or locking sensations in the joint
- Only temporary or limited relief with pain medications
How an orthopaedic specialist can help
Orthopaedic specialists can stage the disease severity and recommend personalised management plans based on comprehensive assessment through clinical examination, imaging (X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging, also called MRIs) and laboratory tests.1,5.
Based on the findings, the orthopaedic specialist may suggest
- Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs for short-term relief.
- Targeted rehabilitation therapy such as weight management, physiotherapy, and low-impact exercises such as swimming or cycling 4.
- Lifestyle changes to reduce joint stress
- Assistive devices for stability and function
- Minimally invasive procedures such as joint injections of corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, or platelet-rich plasma or other emerging therapies such as nerve ablation, electro-frequency, photodynamic therapy, infrared heat therapy etc.
Surgery such as joint realignment or replacement are considered when conservative treatments fail. Early referral ensures timely decision-making before irreversible damage occurs 1,5.
Why early specialist care matters
Early referral allows joint-preserving interventions before irreversible structural damage occurs. Proper diagnosis also prevents inappropriate overuse of painkillers and ensures targeted physiotherapy. Timely management helps maintain independence, productivity and overall well-being especially, important in younger working populations across Asia.
“Taking care of your joints today is the first step to staying active and independent for years to come.”
References
- Martel-Pelletier J, Barr AJ, Cicuttini FM, et al. Osteoarthritis. Nature Reviews Disease Primers. 2016;2:16072. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrdp.2016.72
- Hunter DJ, Bierma-Zeinstra S. Osteoarthritis. The Lancet. 2019;393(10182):1745–1759. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(19)30417-9
- World Health Organization. Osteoarthritis Fact Sheet. Updated October 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/osteoarthritis
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Osteoarthritis: Care and Management (NG226). 2022. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng226
- Mayo Clinic. Osteoarthritis — Symptoms and Causes. Updated 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/symptoms-causes
- Felson DT, Neogi T. Osteoarthritis as a disease of mechanics. JAMA. 2008;299(8):940–942. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.299.8.940
