Osteoarthritis
Last updated: 9 Feb. 2026
Reviewed by: Specialist doctors from the Elfcare quality team
Do your knees ache when climbing stairs, or do your fingers feel stiff in the morning? Many people think this is just a sign of ageing, but it can also point to osteoarthritis, a condition where the joints gradually lose their smooth movement and flexibility.
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint conditions worldwide, yet its early stages often go unnoticed. Recognising small signs and checking key health markers early can help protect joint strength for the long run. Elfcare’s preventive philosophy focuses on understanding your body early, so you can stay active, comfortable, and confident at every age.
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What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition where the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. Cartilage acts like a shock absorber, allowing smooth and painless joint movement. When it thins, bones start rubbing against each other, causing stiffness, swelling, and pain.
Although it can affect any joint, OA most often occurs in the knees, hips, hands, and spine. It develops gradually but doesn’t have to limit your life. Early awareness and supportive care can make a big difference in preserving joint mobility.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis symptoms can vary depending on which joints are affected, but common signs include:
Pain or tenderness after activity or at the end of the day
Morning stiffness that improves with movement
Reduced flexibility or range of motion
Clicking or grinding sensation in the joint
Mild swelling or warmth around the affected area
Joint changes in shape (especially in fingers or knees)
Symptoms often build up slowly. That’s why noticing early stiffness or joint fatigue is important – it allows for simple lifestyle changes before lasting damage occurs.
What causes osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis develops when joint cartilage breaks down faster than the body can repair it. Several factors can contribute:
Age: Cartilage naturally becomes thinner and less elastic over time.
Previous injury: Sports injuries or accidents can weaken joints.
Genetics: Some people inherit a tendency for weaker joint tissue.
Excess weight: Extra pressure on weight-bearing joints accelerates wear.
Repetitive use: Jobs or activities involving repeated movements.
Metabolic or hormonal imbalance: Diabetes and thyroid issues such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can affect joint repair.
Understanding and managing these risk factors early can delay or reduce progression of joint discomfort.
How is osteoarthritis detected?
Osteoarthritis is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, symptom history, and imaging such as X-rays or MRI. Blood tests are often used to rule out other causes of joint pain and to assess inflammation and nutrient balance that affect cartilage health.
Key biomarkers and health indicators include:
C-reactive protein (CRP) and ESR: Indicate inflammation in the body.
Vitamin D and calcium: Essential for bone and joint strength.
Uric acid: High levels can worsen joint pain or mimic arthritis.
Blood sugar (HbA1c): High glucose can damage cartilage and slow healing.
Thyroid profile: Imbalances can influence joint metabolism.
Elfcare’s blood tests monitor these vital markers, helping detect early changes linked to joint and bone health before they affect mobility.
Why early detection matters
Osteoarthritis progresses gradually, but small steps taken early can prevent stiffness from becoming chronic pain. Tracking inflammation and nutrient levels helps you make timely choices, such as improving posture, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and supporting your diet with joint-friendly nutrients.
Early insight allows for gentle but effective changes that protect your joints, preserve movement, and enhance daily comfort.
How Elfcare can help
Elfcare’s preventive health checks give you a deeper look at how your joints, bones, and muscles are functioning. By monitoring inflammation markers and nutrient balance, Elfcare helps you understand the underlying factors that influence joint comfort and flexibility.
Discussing these results with your healthcare provider can guide the right lifestyle adjustments or follow-up care.
Curious about your joint and bone health? Elfcare’s blood tests help you understand your body’s balance early, so you can keep moving freely and confidently.
Summary
Osteoarthritis is common but manageable, especially when identified early. Recognising subtle stiffness, supporting your body with good nutrition, and staying proactive about testing can help you maintain strong, flexible joints for years.
When you understand your body, you can make choices that support your movement, comfort, and long-term joint health.
Last updated: 9 Feb. 2026
Reviewed by: Specialist doctors from the quality team at Elfcare
FAQs
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually wears down over time. This cartilage normally allows joints to move smoothly and absorb impact during daily movement. As it thins, joints may become stiff, swollen, and painful, most commonly in the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
What are the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis?
Early symptoms often include joint stiffness in the morning, aching after activity, or reduced flexibility. Some people notice clicking or grinding sensations, mild swelling, or changes in joint shape, especially in the fingers or knees. Symptoms usually develop slowly, which is why subtle, recurring discomfort should not be overlooked.
How is osteoarthritis detected?
Osteoarthritis is typically assessed through a physical examination and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI to evaluate joint structure and cartilage wear. Blood tests are not diagnostic but help rule out other causes of joint pain and reveal inflammation or nutrient imbalances that affect joint health. Together, these tools provide insight into early joint changes before mobility is affected.
Can osteoarthritis be treated or prevented?
Yes. While osteoarthritis cannot always be reversed, it can often be managed effectively through early awareness, regular movement, muscle strengthening, weight balance, and joint-supportive nutrition. Although it isn’t fully preventable, addressing risk factors and inflammation early can slow progression and help preserve long-term mobility and comfort.