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Osteoarthritis and joint pain

Joint pain is one of the most widespread health problems, and its prevalence increases with age.

  • 10-minute read

Joint pain can affect different parts of the body, such as the knees, hips, shoulders, and fingers, and can make simple movements difficult, like walking, climbing stairs, or even opening a jar. These discomforts are not only physical: they also affect mobility, mood, and overall quality of life.

Among the possible causes, osteoarthritis is one of the most common. This joint condition affects millions of people worldwide, and its prevalence continues to rise as the population ages. Yet many questions remain: What exactly is osteoarthritis? Is it simply a normal consequence of aging, or a true medical condition? How can it be distinguished from other issues such as arthritis or osteoporosis?

This guide aims to provide clear and trustworthy answers. You’ll find a simple explanation of what osteoarthritis is, information about common symptoms, and guidance to help you better understand your situation. By learning to recognize the signs of osteoarthritis and to differentiate between various types of joint pain, you’ll be better equipped to understand your needs and consider the solutions that may suit you best.

In this guide, you will discover

What is osteoarthritis?

Did you know?

13,6%

of adults aged 20 and older have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects a large number of people, particularly from their forties onward. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, about 13.6% of adults aged 20 and over live with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis.

It is characterized by the gradual wear of cartilage, the smooth and flexible tissue that covers the ends of bones. Cartilage acts as a natural shock absorber. It allows bones to glide against one another without excessive friction and absorbs part of the impact created by movement.

When this cartilage becomes thinner or deteriorates, the joint loses its smooth function. The bones eventually come into direct contact, causing pain, stiffness, and sometimes swelling. In more advanced cases, osteoarthritis can even lead to joint deformity and significantly reduced mobility.

The joints most commonly affected are the knees, hips, spine, and hands, since these are the ones that endure the most mechanical stress on a daily basis.

Osteoarthritis: is cartilage wear simply normal?

It is true that cartilage tends to wear down naturally with age, but reducing osteoarthritis to a simple effect of aging would be inaccurate. Many older adults do not experience it, while younger adults can be affected. Osteoarthritis is instead the result of an interaction between several risk factors.

  • Excess weight, which increases the pressure placed on weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips.
  • Joint injuries, whether related to an accident, a sports injury, or repeated microtrauma.
  • Family history, which indicates a genetic predisposition.
  • Some intense physical activities, especially those that repeatedly stress the same joints.

So while age does play a role, it does not explain everything. Osteoarthritis is not an unavoidable fate. By adopting healthy lifestyle habits and incorporating Genacol products into your daily routine, it is possible to slow down cartilage wear and maintain joint health for longer.

Osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis: what are the differences?

Osteoarthritis is sometimes mistaken for other joint disorders, but it is important to distinguish between them, as highlighted by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec on its website.

These three conditions can all lead to pain and reduced mobility, but their underlying mechanisms are very different. Understanding these distinctions is essential to receiving an accurate diagnosis and choosing the most appropriate treatment strategies.

Osteoarthritis is the gradual deterioration of the cartilage that covers the bones in the joints, and this process can be accelerated by a variety of factors.

Osteoporosis affects the bone itself, making it more fragile and porous. This increases the risk of fractures, particularly in the femur and the vertebrae.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. The immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial membrane that surrounds the joints, causing chronic inflammation and irreversible deformities.

Progression and stages of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition that does not appear overnight. Its progression usually takes place over several years, even decades, and can vary from one person to another. Understanding the stages of the condition helps identify signs earlier and adopt appropriate measures.

Understanding the stages of osteoarthritis

Early stage
Early warning signs
The first signs are often subtle: mild pain after physical activity, morning stiffness, or small joint cracking sounds. These symptoms may seem harmless, yet the cartilage is already beginning to thin. Mobility remains good, and many people pay little attention to these signs, assuming they are simply due to fatigue or normal aging.
Moderate stage
Pain becomes persistent
Over time, the pain becomes more frequent, sometimes even at rest, and stiffness increases. The joints lose flexibility, limiting certain daily activities. X rays at this stage typically show a reduction in joint space.
Advanced stage
Mobility loss and joint changes
When the cartilage is severely damaged, the bones rub against each other, causing intense pain, swelling, and sometimes deformities. Mobility decreases significantly, which can affect independence. Walking, driving, or even getting up from a chair becomes difficult.

How does osteoarthritis impact quality of life?

Osteoarthritis does not affect only the joints. It also influences mood and daily life. Chronic pain often creates a vicious cycle in which fear of movement reduces physical activity. This weakens the muscles, increases stiffness, and intensifies discomfort.

Over time, this dynamic can lead to fatigue, discouragement, and loss of independence, causing some people to limit outings or social activities.

To better manage these impacts, a comprehensive approach remains essential. Depending on the stage of progression, certain Genacol products can provide complementary support, including Genacol Original for the first signs of stiffness and Genacol Pain Relief for more persistent discomfort.

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Knee pain and osteoarthritis (gonarthrosis)

The knee is one of the most heavily used joints in the human body. It supports our weight, absorbs shocks, and enables walking, running, and climbing stairs. This constant load explains why it is one of the first places where osteoarthritis often appears.

Why is the knee particularly vulnerable?

Every step and every bend places pressure on the knee’s cartilage. Over time, especially in cases of excess weight or intense physical activity, this cartilage can wear down prematurely. Past injuries, such as a sprain or ligament tear, also increase the risk of knee osteoarthritis.

Common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis

  • Localized pain on the inner or outer side of the knee.
  • Stiffness after a period of inactivity, for example after sitting for a long time.
  • A sensation of cracking or grinding during movement.
  • Swelling related to inflammation of the joint lining.
  • Difficulty bending or fully straightening the leg.

How does knee pain affect mobility and daily life?

Knee pain should never be taken lightly. It can make walking difficult, limit participation in certain sports activities, and in more advanced cases reduce independence to the point of requiring the use of a cane or walker. For example, a person with knee osteoarthritis may begin by avoiding stairs, then gradually reduce outings, which can lead to increased sedentary behavior. However, the less we move, the more osteoarthritis progresses. It therefore becomes essential to break this vicious cycle through appropriate measures such as gentle exercises, weight management, and preventive care. Products such as Genacol Pain Relief, or Genacol Ovoflex for those who prefer a vegetarian option, can also help support joint comfort.

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Joint inflammation: causes and its role in osteoarthritis

Inflammation is a natural defense response of the body when it faces an injury or irritation. It appears as heat, redness, swelling, and pain. In osteoarthritis, inflammation is not always present, but it can occur during painful flare ups.

Difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis

Both conditions can cause joint pain, but their causes and treatments differ.

  • Osteoarthritis is mechanical wear of the cartilage, sometimes with an inflammatory component.
  • Arthritis is chronic or acute inflammation, of inflammatory or autoimmune origin.

Why does inflammation worsen osteoarthritis?

When cartilage wears down, it releases tiny fragments that can irritate the synovial membrane, the thin lining inside the joint. In response, this membrane produces inflammatory substances. As a result, the joint becomes swollen, warmer, and painful. This inflammation is not only a consequence of osteoarthritis. It can also accelerate cartilage degradation. In fact, inflammatory molecules promote the release of enzymes that further damage joint tissues. This explains why some people experience osteoarthritis flare ups during which symptoms intensify for several days. In addition to pain, inflammation contributes to stiffness and limits mobility, creating a vicious cycle. The more inflammation there is, the more painful the joint becomes and the less it is used, which further weakens its function.

Why can one joint be more affected than others?

It is common to feel pain in only one joint, such as a knee, hip, or shoulder. This depends on past injuries (trauma, overuse), but also on how mechanical stress is distributed throughout the body. For example, someone who is overweight places more pressure on their knees, while a manual worker may strain their shoulders more. This inflammation is not only a consequence of osteoarthritis. It can also accelerate cartilage degradation. Inflammatory molecules promote the release of enzymes that damage joint tissues. This explains why some people experience osteoarthritis flare ups during which symptoms intensify for several days. In addition to pain, inflammation contributes to stiffness and reduced mobility, creating a vicious cycle. The more inflammation there is, the more painful the joint becomes and the less it is used, which further weakens its function.

What are the consequences on daily life?

If left unmanaged, joint inflammation can further reduce mobility and accelerate the progression of osteoarthritis. It is therefore essential to quickly recognize the signs of inflammation and adopt appropriate measures such as rest, applying ice, following an anti-inflammatory diet, or consulting a healthcare professional. In addition to these approaches, Genacol Anti-Inflammatory, Genacol Pain Relief, or Genacol Ovoflex for those who prefer a vegetarian option, can provide additional support to help reduce inflammation and promote joint comfort.

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Musculoskeletal pain: beyond osteoarthritis

Joint pain is not always caused by osteoarthritis. Musculoskeletal disorders, which affect the muscles, tendons, and supporting structures of the joints, can also cause discomfort. Generally temporary and reversible, they are sometimes mistaken for osteoarthritis symptoms.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon, usually caused by repetitive movement or overuse. For example, shoulder tendinitis or “tennis elbow” results in localized pain that increases with movement.

Bursitis

Bursitis corresponds to inflammation of a bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions the space between bone and soft tissues. Bursitis causes swelling, warmth, and sharp pain around the joint.

Sprains

Sprains occur when a ligament is stretched or torn due to a wrong movement, a fall, or trauma. The joint becomes painful, swollen, and sometimes unstable. Unlike osteoarthritis, a sprain is an acute problem that can heal with rest and appropriate rehabilitation, or surgery in more severe cases.

Muscle soreness

Muscle soreness appears after unusual or intense effort due to microtears in muscle fibers. It leads to stiffness and diffuse pain but typically disappears naturally within a few days with rest and proper hydration.

Lifestyle-related risk factors

How can lifestyle influence the risk of developing osteoarthritis over the course of a lifetime? Here are some factors to watch for:
  • Poor posture at work (computer use or prolonged standing).
  • Inappropriate or overly intense physical activity.
  • Lack of activity, leading to muscle weakness.
  • Stress and fatigue, which increase muscle tension.

How can you tell the difference between mechanical pain and osteoarthritic pain?

  • Mechanical pain: musculoskeletal pain is often acute, more diffuse, and tends to improve with rest.
  • Osteoarthritic pain: pain caused by osteoarthritis is linked to movement, persists over time, and is accompanied by chronic or acute stiffness of inflammatory or autoimmune origin.

What are the consequences on daily life?

Although these conditions are not directly linked to osteoarthritis, they can increase the sensation of joint discomfort. For example, shoulder tendinitis can limit movement and heighten the perception of existing pain.

Since several conditions can cause similar symptoms, it remains important to consult a healthcare professional to correctly identify the cause. This helps avoid inappropriate treatments and adopt the best strategy to relieve pain.

Genacol Fast Action can also provide musculoskeletal support to improve daily comfort.

Learn more about muscle and joint pain

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FAQ

No, osteoarthritis cannot be reduced to simple “normal” wear related to aging. While it is true that cartilage tends to thin over time, in some people this process accelerates and becomes pathological. Osteoarthritis develops when there is an imbalance between cartilage degeneration and its ability to regenerate. Aggravating factors such as excess weight, a history of sports injuries, or repetitive strain from work can cause premature wear. It is therefore considered a progressive joint disease rather than an inevitable consequence of aging.
These three conditions affect the musculoskeletal system, but they differ in their underlying mechanisms:
  • Osteoarthritis: mechanical wear of cartilage, sometimes with an inflammatory component.
  • Osteoporosis: progressive weakening of bone, which becomes more porous and more prone to fractures.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the membrane surrounding the joints, causing chronic inflammation and deformities.
  • Stress and fatigue: factors that increase muscle tension.
It is essential to distinguish between these conditions, as their treatments are not the same. A medical diagnosis, often confirmed through imaging and laboratory tests, helps determine what is actually causing the symptoms.

Symptoms vary depending on the location and stage of the disease, but some signs are characteristic. The Arthritis Society of Canada summarizes these signs well, and they generally include:

  • Joint pain that appears mainly during movement and usually decreases with rest (at least in the early stages).
  • Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after a period of inactivity.
  • Cracking sounds or a sensation of grinding during movement.
  • Loss of mobility and difficulty performing certain daily tasks.
  • In more advanced cases, visible joint deformities, such as osteoarthritis affecting the fingers and hands.
These symptoms may progress in flare ups, with more painful periods often linked to inflammation. They can also have consequences on psychological well-being, especially in cases of chronic pain.

It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between the two based on symptoms alone. Osteoarthritis typically presents as mechanical pain during movement, while inflammation can cause pain at rest and visible swelling. However, the two can coexist.

Only a doctor can confirm the diagnosis through a clinical examination and, if needed, X rays. These help visualize the condition of the cartilage and the joint space. Inflammation, on the other hand, may be detected through additional tests such as blood work.

Yes, osteoarthritis can develop in any joint, but some are more commonly affected:
  • The knees (gonarthrosis).
  • The hips (coxarthrosis).
  • The shoulders.
  • The spine.
  • The small joints of the fingers and hands.
Yes, the knee is the joint most frequently affected by osteoarthritis. The pain often appears during walking, climbing or descending stairs, or after sitting for a long period. In more advanced cases, the pain can even be present at rest. Stiffness, reduced mobility, and sometimes swelling are also characteristic symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.
It is common for osteoarthritis to affect a single joint, especially if that joint has been weakened by an injury, overuse, or mechanical strain. For example, a past sprain or ligament tear may increase the risk of knee osteoarthritis, while intensive manual work can affect the shoulder or hand joints. It is also possible that isolated pain is caused by localized inflammation or tendinitis rather than osteoarthritis.
Physical activity is beneficial when it is properly adapted. Moving helps maintain joint flexibility, strengthen the muscles that support the joints, and reduce stiffness. The best exercises to prioritize are gentle, low impact activities such as walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, or light strengthening exercises. On the other hand, high impact sports (running on hard surfaces, jumping, contact sports) may accelerate cartilage wear. What matters most is adapting activity levels to your abilities and the condition of your joints.
Diet can play an important role in the progression of osteoarthritis, particularly because of its influence on inflammation. Some foods should be limited or even avoided:
  • Ultra-processed foods (ready-made meals, processed meats) that are high in additives.
  • Excess refined sugar (pastries, sodas), which promotes inflammation.
  • Saturated fats (fatty meats, fried foods) and trans fats.
  • Excessive alcohol consumption, which comes with its own health consequences.
Following a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and fiber-containing foods can help reduce inflammatory flare-ups and support joint health.
Since cartilage does not fully regenerate, there is no definitive cure for osteoarthritis. However, several approaches can help slow its progression and improve quality of life. In other words, even though osteoarthritis does not go away, it can be effectively managed and its symptoms relieved through different treatments.

Taking action early can help prevent osteoarthritis from worsening

Osteoarthritis is a common joint condition, but it is not inevitable. By better understanding its mechanisms, symptoms, and differences from other conditions, you can take action earlier to limit its impact on your daily life.

If you experience persistent joint symptoms, don’t wait to talk to a healthcare professional. A proper diagnosis will help you adopt the right habits, choose natural approaches, and, if needed, consider appropriate treatment options.

Genacol is committed to offering natural solutions that support joint health through collagen innovation.

The next step in this guide explores how complementary approaches, including the use of specific supplements, can help relieve symptoms and improve your mobility.

Which Genacol product should you choose?

Since every person is unique, there is no universal solution for joint pain. For nearly 25 years, we have been offering innovative supplements to relieve joint pain and take care of your joints.

To help you choose the natural Genacol product that suits you best, we have created a simple and effective tool.

Discover the guide

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