Osteoarthritis is a common cause of joint pain. Many people think it’s just “wear and tear,” but that’s not the whole story. In this blog, I explain step by step what happens in your joint with osteoarthritis, why it hurts, and what you can do yourself to keep your joints as flexible as possible. The MotiMove app can also help you with this.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a condition of your joints. A joint is the place where two bones meet, such as in your knee, hip, hand, or back. The bones are covered with a smooth layer of cartilage. That cartilage ensures your bones move smoothly over each other.
With osteoarthritis, the cartilage becomes thinner and softer. In some places, it can even disappear completely. As a result, your bones move less smoothly and pain can develop.
What happens in the joint?
With osteoarthritis, several things happen at the same time:
- Cartilage wears down and repairs less well
The layer becomes thinner, rough, or irregular. - Bones change
The bone under the cartilage can become harder. Extra bony outgrowths (osteophytes) can form. - Inflammation in the joint
The synovial lining in the joint can become inflamed, causing it to thicken and produce more fluid. - Muscles and tendons become less strong
Because moving hurts, you move less, which makes the muscles around the joint weaker.
Why does osteoarthritis hurt?
There are several reasons:
- The cartilage itself has no nerves, but the surrounding structures do.
- Inflammation can irritate the nerves.
- Bone-on-bone contact can trigger pain signals.
- Muscles and tendons around the joint become overloaded.
What can you do for osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis cannot (yet) be cured.
But you can do a lot to reduce symptoms:
- Keep moving—movement nourishes the cartilage and keeps muscles strong.
- Watch your weight—less pressure on the joint reduces pain.
- Do strengthening exercises—strong muscles absorb shocks.
- Find balance—alternate activity with rest.
Why movement is so important
Many people with osteoarthritis fear that moving will make the wear and tear worse. But the opposite is true:
- Movement makes the joint more flexible
- It stimulates blood flow
- It keeps your muscles strong
With the MotiMove app, you can safely and step by step learn to move with osteoarthritis. You’ll get:
- Clear exercise videos
- Tips to understand pain and cope with it
- Statistics to track your progress
Frequently asked questions
Can osteoarthritis stop or be reversed?
No, but you can often slow the process and reduce symptoms.
Is osteoarthritis the same as rheumatism?
No. Osteoarthritis is wear and change of the joint; rheumatism is an inflammatory disease of the immune system.
Does moving help when I’m in pain?
Yes, but choose gentle movements and build up slowly.
Does surgery help?
In severe osteoarthritis, a new hip or knee can help, but this is only a last step.
Download MotiMove. With the MotiMove app, you learn how to move safely with osteoarthritis. This keeps your joints flexible and helps you do more in daily life.