Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage that cushions a joint gradually wears down over time, causing the bones to move less smoothly against each other. This can lead to stiffness, pain, and sometimes swelling in the affected joint. It's most common with age, but several factors can increase the likelihood or speed of its development — previous joint injury, years of repetitive strain or heavy loading, being overweight (which places extra pressure on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips), and genetics, which can make some people more prone to it than others. It's primarily a mechanical, wear-related process.

Not necessarily. Osteoarthritis is often diagnosed based on your symptoms, history, and how the joint moves and feels during examination But an X-ray can be useful in some cases — for example, if your symptoms are unclear, aren't responding as expected, or if your GP wants to confirm the extent of joint changes — but it isn't usually needed to start treatment. If we think imaging would be helpful in your case, we'll let you know and can suggest you speak to your GP about a referral.

Arthritic joints don't work in isolation — pain or stiffness in one area often changes how you move elsewhere, as your body finds ways to protect or compensate for the joint that's struggling. Over time, this can create tension and discomfort well beyond the joint itself. Osteopathy will address the body as a whole and help identify where you are compensating and how to address this.