What Are The 4 Stages of Osteoarthritis? 

If you’re navigating an osteoarthritis diagnosis you may be concerned about what to expect from this progressive joint disease as time goes on. Well, there are some stages to this. So, what are the 4 stages of osteoarthritis? In this article, we’ll highlight everything you should know. From early symptoms to advanced challenges — understanding these stages is vital for effective symptom management. 

Additionally, we explore how living with osteoarthritis, especially in its more severe stages, can open pathways to financial support like the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). At True North Disability Services, we’re committed to not only answering all your questions about osteoarthritis but also guiding you through the complexities of financial aid options like the DTC, ensuring you have the support and resources you need.

Understanding Osteoarthritis

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that approximately 1 in 2 people will develop knee osteoarthritis in their lifetime.

Osteoarthritis (OA) stands as the most common arthritis form, marked by the gradual wear and tear of joint cartilage. This degeneration primarily affects the hands, knees, hips, and spine, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. 

Symptoms may intensify with activity or prolonged rest. In advanced stages, symptoms severely limit mobility and daily function. 

The impact of this condition goes beyond physical discomfort. It often disrupts daily activities, work routines, and overall quality of life. Recognizing these challenges is crucial, especially when considering financial support options like the Disability Tax Credit in Canada. At True North Disability Services, we understand the life-altering effects of osteoarthritis and are committed to guiding those affected towards managing their condition effectively and accessing necessary support.

What Are The 4 Stages of Osteoarthritis?

Understanding the progression of osteoarthritis is key to effective management. You can think of this progression almost as losing the tread on car tires – eventually, over time, the tire will bald, making it ineffective at its job– this is the same for the disks and cartilage between vertebrates and joints. Once the cartilage wears down you may develop “bald spots” causing more and more joint pain.

Let’s take a look at the 4 stages of osteoarthritis:

Stage 1 (Minor):

This stage is also called Early Arthritis where one might experience early signs of osteoarthritis. 

You may experience mild discomfort, occasional stiffness, intermittent aches, and occasional swelling but no significant pain or loss in range of motion. This pain comes and goes as opposed to the consistent pain in more moderate stages. 

Stage 2 (Mild):

A this stage, X-rays of joints might reveal bone spur growth but the cartilage is normally still healthy. However, it’s at this stage that you may feel pain after a long day of walking, or major stiffness after the joint has been at rest for many hours. 

During stage two it’s often recommended to practice low-impact exercises to help strengthen the joint and keep a healthy weight as excess weight on joints can exacerbate the symptoms. However, avoid squatting or jumping to protect your joints from overexertion. 

This might be a good time to brace the joint when exercising to protect it. 

Treatments for this stage:

• OTC pain relievers for mild pain relief.
• Braces for the painful joint (knee braces, back braces, ankle braces, wrist braces, etc.) 
• Capsaicin gels & creams
• Non-steroidal gels & ointments
• Low-impact exercise is suggested to maintain a healthy weight and muscle mass. However, avoid squatting or jumping to protect your joints from overexertion. 

Stage 3 (Moderate):

At this point, the cartilage is now showing signs of wearing and may have developed bald patches/weak spots which can cause the narrowing “joint space” and bone-on-bone pain. Now that the cartilage is noticeably thinning, the space between bones is narrowing causing more and more joint pain. 

At this stage you might experience more noticeable joint inflammation and pain especially when walking, running, kneeling, or extending. This may also be paired with stiffness of the joints after rest. 

Treatments for this stage:

• Physical therapy.
• Intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid.
• Corticosteroid injections. 
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 
• May consider stronger pain relief medications with a doctor.

Stage 4 (Advanced):

There is very little cartilage left at this point which can cause very painful joint and mobility issues. This pain is often constant, radiating, and may cause swelling. Because of the chronic state of joint inflammation, you may experience significant pain and discomfort even during rest.

At this stage, you may not be able to effectively manage your symptoms or expand your mobility without surgical intervention. 

Stage 4 osteoarthritis can severely limit your activities which is why many receive joint replacement surgeries to regain mobility. 

Common surgical treatments for this stage:

• Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty)
• Osteotomy
• Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis)
• Joint Resurfacing

Each stage of osteoarthritis presents unique challenges. It's crucial to understand these stages not only for treatment but also for potential eligibility for financial support like the Disability Tax Credit. This credit can be a significant relief for those facing the financial burdens of managing a chronic condition like osteoarthritis. At True North Disability Services, we're here to help navigate these stages and offer guidance on accessing the support you need.

When To Seek Support

If your condition is advanced enough, it might impede your everyday activities. If the symptoms of your osteoarthritis make it difficult for you to walk around the block, do normal house chores, or walk to and from the car, it’s time to think about increasing support, both financially and via a more intense treatment plan.

Here at True North Disability Services we often work with folks who are struggling with advancing osteoarthritis – we know the toll it can take. 

If you are dealing with osteoarthritis symptoms that are affecting your everyday life, you may qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. 

Read More:  Is Osteoarthritis a Disability in Canada?

Osteoarthritis & The Disability Tax Credit

The Disability Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit designed to help reduce the amount of income tax that individuals with disabilities or their supporting persons have to pay. To qualify for this credit, a person must have a severe and prolonged impairment as certified by a medical professional.

Qualifying for the DTC involves demonstrating these substantial limitations. True North Disability Services specializes in helping osteoarthritis patients navigate this application process, providing guidance in meeting the necessary criteria and managing documentation.

Our team of experts assists clients in completing applications, gathering supporting documentation, and communicating with the Canada Revenue Agency on your behalf. 

All of this, at no upfront cost. It’s risk-free when you apply through us. 

With years of experience in the field, True North Disability Services aims to maximize our clients' disability tax credit returns, providing much-needed, and often life-changing, financial relief. 

To learn more about the Disability Tax Credit, don't hesitate to contact us today! 

Click here to set up a consultation.

Summary: What Are The 4 Stages of Osteoarthritis? 

• Stage 1: Early Arthritis - Minor wear and tear in the joints. Little to no pain experienced.
• Stage 2: Mild Arthritis - Greater bone spur growth. Mild pain or discomfort after long use or inactivity.
• Stage 3: Moderate Arthritis - Cartilage damage becomes more evident. Increased pain and stiffness during and after movement.
• Stage 4: Severe Arthritis - Significant loss of cartilage; joint space reduces. Severe pain and discomfort, even at rest; decreased mobility.