The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) is caused by age-related wear and tear on the joints. It can be seen on X-rays as narrowed spaces between the bones in the joint and bone spurs.

Mild osteoarthritis (OA) causes joint pain and stiffness. It commonly affects the knees, hips, or spine but can also occur in other joints. Stiffness is usually worse in the morning, while the pain often peaks at night and after use.

Mild osteoarthritis is treated with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and physical therapy. Cold packs, moist heat, and braces or orthotics can also ease mild OA symptoms.

This article discusses mild osteoarthritis. It describes the symptoms of mild osteoarthritis and how it’s diagnosed and treated. It also explains how to manage osteoarthritis joint pain and prevent further damage.

sittithat tangwitthayaphum / Getty Images

What Is Osteoarthritis?

OA is a degenerative joint disease that causes chronic pain and joint stiffness.

Also known as wear-and-tear arthritis, it occurs when the cartilage tissue in the joints breaks down with use and continues to worsen over time. Cartilage lines the ends of bones between joints and provides protective cushioning and shock absorption.

Osteoarthritis can develop in any joint, but it most commonly affects:1

Carpometacarpal joint (CMC) of the thumb

Cervical spine (neck)

Distal interphalangeal joints (DIP) of the fingers

Hips

Knees

Lumbar spine (lower back)

Metacarpophalangeal joints (MCP) of the hands

Wrists

Osteoarthritis is categorized by grade using the Kellgren-Lawrence classification system. Based on radiographic images like X-rays, it defines OA into the following grades:1

Grade 1 (Minor): Minimal or no joint space narrowing, with possible bone spur formation

Grade 2 (Mild): Possible joint space narrowing, with definite bone spur formation

Grade 3 (Moderate): Definite joint space narrowing, moderate bone spur formation, mild sclerosis (hardening of tissue), and possible deformation of bone ends

Grade 4 (Severe): Severe joint space narrowing, large bone spur formation, marked sclerosis, definite deformation of bone ends

Mild osteoarthritis (grade 2) is the first stage of osteoarthritis where significant joint changes are evident on X-ray.

As cartilage begins to break down and wear away, the space between joints begins to narrow. This creates increased friction and pressure between bones and can cause osteophytes (bone spurs) to form.1

Joint narrowing and bone spurs can be seen on X-rays in mild osteoarthritis.

 What Is Mild Arthritis?

What Are the Symptoms of Mild Osteoarthritis?

Mild OA symptoms are typically at their worst first thing in the morning and at the end of a day. Symptoms of mild osteoarthritis include:2

Joint pain that worsens with use and improves with rest

Stiffness that is worse in the morning or after a period of rest

Clicking, grinding, or scraping noises when you use the joint

Feeling like the joint is loose or unstable

Loss of full range of motion

Swelling in and around the joint, especially after use

Tenderness around the joint

Changes in the joint shape and bony enlargements, especially in smaller joints

Joint stiffness often lasts about 30 minutes in the morning and resolves as joints begin to loosen once you start moving for the day.1

 Signs and Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

How Does Mild Osteoarthritis Compare to Other Stages?

Mild osteoarthritis symptoms can interfere with day-to-day activities at times but do not cause the disabling pain of severe OA. Mild OA pain can usually be managed with OTC pain relief, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. Moderate and severe osteoarthritis may need more serious interventions or surgery.1

Causes and Risk Factors

Mild OA often develops from age-related wear and tear in joints over time. Anyone who repetitively uses their joints is at risk for developing osteoarthritis, such as:3

Athletes

Military personnel

People with physically demanding jobs

Risk factors that increase the likelihood of mild OA or progressing symptoms include:3

Older age

Genetics

Obesity

History of trauma or joint injury

Low levels of physical activity

 Causes and Risk Factors of Osteoarthritis

How Is Mild Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?

Mild OA is diagnosed using X-rays. Your primary care provider is often the first doctor to see if you have joint pain. They will:4

Review your medical history, medications, and any other medical problems

Ask about your symptoms and how the pain affects your activities

Examine and move your joints

Your healthcare provider may refer you to a physical therapist, rheumatologist, or orthopedic doctor for further evaluation and testing.

In addition to X-rays, other tests used to make a diagnosis include:

Joint aspiration: After numbing the area, your healthcare provider will insert a needle into the affected joint to remove a sample of synovial fluid. This test can detect infection, red and white blood cell counts, and whether crystals are present in the fluid. The results can help rule out other medical conditions or other forms of arthritis.

MRI: MRI gives a better view of cartilage and soft tissue and can show damage and inflammation of the joint.

 Differential Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis

How Is Mild OA Treated?

A variety of treatment methods helps to manage symptoms of mild OA. Based on clinical research, the American College of Rheumatology strongly recommends the following interventions for managing symptoms:5

Exercise and physical therapy to improve joint mobility, range of motion, and muscle strength

Weight loss to decrease pressure and strain on arthritic joints, especially weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees

Modifying activities in order to lessen the strain on painful joints

Using cold packs to relieve swelling and inflammation or moist heat to ease joint and muscle stiffness

Besides lifestyle changes, your healthcare provider may also recommend medications and devices to help you cope with OA symptoms:

Knee and thumb braces to support painful joints and lessen discomfort from everyday activities

Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen) for pain relief and to reduce inflammation

Topical NSAIDs to decrease pain signals, especially from OA of the hands and knees

Cortisone injections within joints to reduce pain and inflammation

Living With Mild Osteoarthritis

OA can slowly worsen over time if left untreated. While there is currently no cure for osteoarthritis, if detected early, treatment can help manage symptoms and slow progression and joint degeneration.

Lifestyle changes can help prevent mild osteoarthritis from progressing further to moderate or even severe levels. These include:

Losing weight to decrease the strain on muscles

Getting regular exercise to decrease pain and stiffness and strengthen surrounding muscles to support arthritic joints

Protecting your joints to prevent overuse

Resting when joints are inflamed or hurt

Summary

Mild osteoarthritis occurs when joint cartilage breaks down due to wear and tear and overuse. It causes joint pain and stiffness that, left untreated, can progressively worsen.

With mild OA, joint stiffness is at its worst in the morning but resolves about 30 minutes after you get out of bed. Joint pain, on the other hand, is usually worse at the end of the day or after heavy use.

X-rays are used to diagnose OA. Mild OA is the second stage of OA but the first one to be evident on X-ray. Mild OA is treated with physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the joints and improve range of motion.

Mild OA symptoms can usually be managed with OTC anti-inflammatories and heat or cold therapy. In addition, losing weight and daily gentle exercise can help relieve OA pain and prevent further damage.