Osteoarthritis living in teenagers

Overview

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition that affects the joints, where the smooth cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. This can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. In teenagers, it is much less common than in older adults, but it can happen, often because of an injury or another joint condition.

No, osteoarthritis is not common in teenagers. It is much more frequent in older adults, but some young people do develop it, especially if they have had a serious joint injury or a condition like juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Teenagers who have had a joint injury (such as a fracture or torn ligament), those with certain genetic conditions, or those who have other types of arthritis can be affected. It can occur in any joint but often affects weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and ankles.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Joint pain that gets worse with activity and improves with rest
• Stiffness in the joint, especially after sitting still for long periods or after waking up
• Swelling or tenderness around the joint
• A grating or grinding sensation when moving the joint
• Reduced range of motion or flexibility in the joint

Symptoms in children

• Pain that happens after sports or physical activity
• Limping or favouring one leg
• Avoiding activities they used to enjoy because of joint discomfort
• Difficulty keeping up with friends during exercise or play

Symptoms in older adults

• More constant pain that can disturb sleep
• Stiffness that lasts longer in the morning
• Visible joint deformity, like knobby finger joints or bowed knees
• More difficulty with everyday tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or gripping objects

Causes

Main causes

• Previous joint injury – like a fracture, torn knee cartilage (meniscus), or ligament damage (such as ACL tear)
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) – a type of arthritis that starts in childhood and can later lead to osteoarthritis
• Genetic conditions that affect cartilage or bone development, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or Stickler syndrome

Risk factors

• Playing high-impact sports repeatedly without proper rest or technique (e.g., running, football, gymnastics)
• Being overweight or obese – extra weight puts more stress on weight-bearing joints
• Having a family history of osteoarthritis or joint problems
• Having a condition that causes joint instability or misalignment

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your teen has sudden joint swelling, redness, and intense pain – this could be a sign of infection and needs immediate attention.
• If they cannot walk or put weight on the joint after an injury.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If joint pain or stiffness lasts longer than a few weeks and does not get better with rest.
• If the pain is affecting school sports, hobbies, or daily activities like walking or writing.
• If you notice a limp or your teen avoids activities because of joint discomfort.

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your teen's symptoms, medical history, and any injuries. They will examine the joints for swelling, warmth, tenderness, and range of motion. They may also watch how your teen moves or walks.

Tests that may be done

• X-rays – to look for narrowing of the joint space, bone spurs, or other signs of osteoarthritis.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) – gives a detailed picture of the cartilage and soft tissues, especially if the X-ray is not clear.
• Blood tests – to rule out other types of arthritis like juvenile idiopathic arthritis or infection.

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will explain the findings and what they mean. Not all joint pain in teens is osteoarthritis – it could be a growth-related condition like Osgood-Schlatter disease. The diagnosis process helps determine the right treatment plan.

Treatment

Treatment for osteoarthritis in teenagers focuses on managing symptoms, improving joint function, and keeping them active. There is no cure, but many strategies can help reduce pain and prevent it from getting worse.

Self-care at home

• Rest the joint when it is painful, but avoid complete inactivity – gentle movement helps maintain flexibility and strength.
• Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes after activity to reduce swelling and pain.
• Use a heating pad or warm bath to ease stiffness before activity or in the morning.
• Wear supportive shoes or braces if recommended by a physiotherapist or doctor.

Medical treatments

Doctors may suggest physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles around the joint and improve movement. Medications such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used for pain, but always follow the doctor's instructions. In some cases, injections of corticosteroids into the joint can reduce severe inflammation. Do not use any medication without guidance from a healthcare professional.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for teenagers with osteoarthritis. It may be considered only if pain is severe and other treatments have not helped, and the joint damage is significant. Options include joint-preserving procedures or, in very rare cases, joint replacement.

Living with this condition

Living with osteoarthritis as a teen means learning to listen to your body. Some days the joint may feel good, other days it may be sore. Planning activities, taking breaks, and using pain relief strategies can help you stay involved in sports and school life.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay active with low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, or yoga – these strengthen muscles without jarring the joints.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints.
• Try a mix of rest and activity – if a sport causes pain, talk to your coach or physiotherapist about modifying your training.

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein supports overall health. There is no special diet for osteoarthritis, but some people find that anti-inflammatory foods (like those with omega-3s) help. Staying active with exercises like walking, swimming, or pilates can build muscle support around the joints.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with chronic pain can be frustrating and may affect mood, schoolwork, and social life. It is normal to feel upset or worried sometimes. Talking to a parent, school counsellor, or mental health professional can help. Support groups can also connect you with other teens going through similar experiences.

Prevention

Osteoarthritis cannot always be prevented, especially if it is caused by an injury or genetic condition. But you can reduce the risk by protecting your joints during sports (wearing proper gear, using correct technique), staying at a healthy weight, and building strong muscles to support your joints.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for osteoarthritis in teenagers. If you have a family history of joint problems or have had a joint injury, a doctor may monitor your joint health.

Complications

If left untreated

• Ongoing pain that limits daily activities and sports participation
• Stiffness and loss of joint movement that can make physical tasks harder
• Weakening of the muscles around the joint, leading to further instability

Long-term outlook

The outlook for teenagers with osteoarthritis is generally good. With proper management—including exercise, pain relief strategies, and regular check-ups—most teens can continue to lead active, fulfilling lives. Research continues to improve treatments, and many young people find ways to adapt and thrive.

Find support

International organisations

• Arthritis Foundation (US)
• Versus Arthritis (UK)

Local organisations

• Your national arthritis charity · Check your country

Helplines

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