Updated on August 20, 2024
Osteoarthritis is a progressive joint disorder characterized by the gradual deterioration of joint tissues over time.
As the most prevalent form of arthritis, it primarily affects older individuals, though it can occur at any age.
The condition begins with the breakdown of cartilage, the protective cushion at the end of bones where they meet to form a joint.
This cartilage breakdown increases bone friction, resulting in joint pain, temporary stiffness following long periods of inactivity, and swelling.
As osteoarthritis stays longer in the body, these symptoms can become more severe, sometimes causing additional complications such as muscle weakness due to reduced activity, changes in joint shape, and the development of bone spurs known as osteophytes.
Additionally, fragments of bone or cartilage can break off and float in the joint space, causing even more damage and discomfort.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis affects the joints in different ways and here are some common symptoms you might experience if you have osteoarthritis:
- Joint Pain: One of the main signs of osteoarthritis is pain in the affected joints. This pain can be constant or come and go, and it often gets worse with movement or after a lot of activity.
- Stiffness: You might feel stiffness in your joints, especially after waking up in the morning or after sitting for a long time. This stiffness usually eases up as you move around more.
- Swelling and Joint Tenderness: inflammation in the joint can cause it to swell. This can make the joint look puffy and feel tender to touch. You might notice that the joint feels sore when you press on it.
- Decreased Flexibility: You may find it harder to move the joint through its full range of motion. Simple tasks like bending or stretching can become difficult.
- Bone Spurs: Osteoarthritis can lead to the growth of extra bone around the joint, known as bone spurs. These small, hard growths can make the joint feel uneven or cause extra pain.
- Joint Grinding: Sometimes, you might hear or feel a grating or crunching sensation when you move the affected joint. This happens as the bones rub together without enough cartilage.
Are There Different Types of Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis can affect different joints in the body, and each type comes with its own set of symptoms.
- Knee Osteoarthritis: This is the most common type of osteoarthritis. It causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee joint, which can make walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods difficult.
- Hip Osteoarthritis: This type affects the hip joint, leading to pain and stiffness in the hip area. It can make activities like walking or bending difficult and may eventually affect your ability to move around.
- Hand Osteoarthritis: Hand osteoarthritis affects the joints in your fingers and thumbs. It can cause pain, swelling, and difficulties with tasks that require fine hand movements, such as typing or opening jars.
- Spinal Osteoarthritis: This type affects the spine, leading to back pain and reduced flexibility. It can also cause stiffness and discomfort in the neck or lower back and sometimes lead to nerve issues.
Each type of Osteoarthritis can vary in severity, but they all involve the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the affected joints.
What Causes Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis develops due to a mix of factors that can affect your joints over time. Here are the main causes of osteoarthritis:
- Age: The older you get, the higher your risk of developing osteoarthritis. It is more common in older adults because cartilage naturally wears down as we age.
- Genetics: If your family members have had osteoarthritis, you might be more likely to get it too. Genetic factors can make you more susceptible to the condition.
- Injury: Past injuries to a joint, like fractures or sprains, can increase your risk of osteoarthritis later on. These injuries can damage the cartilage or lead to joint problems.
- Overuse: Repeated stress on a joint from activities like certain jobs or sports can contribute to osteoarthritis. Activities that put continuous pressure on your joints can wear down the cartilage over time.
Is Osteoarthritis a Disability in Australia?
In Australia, the term “disability” is defined under several legislative frameworks, including the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (NDIS Act). The DDA provides a broad definition of disability that includes physical, intellectual, sensory, and psychiatric impairments.
To be considered a disability under Australian law, a condition must cause a limitation, restriction, or impairment that has lasted, or is likely to last, for at least six months and significantly affects a person’s everyday activities.
Osteoarthritis fits this definition as it often leads to significant physical limitations and challenges in daily life.
The severity of osteoarthritis can vary from mild discomfort to profound physical disability, impacting a person’s ability to perform routine tasks, work, and engage in social activities.
Legal Recognition of Osteoarthritis as a Disability
According to Australian law, osteoarthritis can be recognized as a disability if it meets the criteria outlined above.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data shows that osteoarthritis is a major contributor to disability, with around 1.9 million Australians affected by the condition. Of these, a significant number experience severe or profound limitations on physical activity.
The DDA makes it illegal to discriminate against individuals with disabilities in various aspects of public life, including employment.
This means that individuals with osteoarthritis have legal protections against discrimination and are entitled to reasonable adjustments in the workplace to accommodate their condition.
Support for Individuals with Osteoarthritis
In addition to the DDA, the Australian government provides support through various programs and services.
One such program is the Disability Employment Services (DES) provided by APM. This government-funded program helps individuals with disabilities, including osteoarthritis, find and maintain employment.
The program offers services such as job placement assistance, career counselling and support to help individuals manage their condition while working.
For those eligible, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offers further support. The NDIS provides funding for support and services to people with permanent and significant disabilities.
While osteoarthritis is not automatically covered under the NDIS, individuals with severe osteoarthritis that significantly affects their daily lives might qualify for NDIS support based on individual needs assessments.
Can Osteoarthritis Be Cured?
Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, but there are treatments available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Although the condition itself does not necessarily worsen over time, there are several approaches to reduce pain and enhance mobility.
Lifestyle measures, such as maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise can help manage symptoms.
Medications, including pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs, can also provide relief.
Supportive therapies like physical therapy can make daily activities easier, and in severe cases, surgical options such as knee osteotomy or joint replacement may be considered.
While these treatments do not reverse Osteoarthritis, they can effectively manage its effects and help individuals maintain function.
Conclusion
Osteoarthritis is a chronic, degenerative joint disease that can significantly impact a person’s daily life and functioning.
In Australia, it can be considered a disability under the legal definitions provided by the DDA and the NDIS Act, particularly when it leads to substantial and long-term limitations.
While there are legal protections and support services available, ongoing efforts are needed to raise awareness, improve access to resources, and advance research to better support individuals living with the disease.
Looking for reliable and trustworthy care services?
At Centre Disability Support, we offer tailored support services for individuals with disabilities throughout Australia. We offer housing options in Logan, Ipswich and Brisbane areas, where we provide independent supported living or assist individuals in finding suitable options for individualised living.
Additionally, we provide day-to-day support for individuals with mental health issues, complex behaviour and other types of disabilities. We also have support coordinators available to assist with planning, navigating NDIS plans, and offering casework support.
Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, or a loved one, or simply wish to learn more about our services, we’re here to help.
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