What Happens If You Ignore Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is often dismissed in its early stages as “normal aging” or “a bit of stiffness”. But research shows that when left unaddressed, OA doesn’t just persist, it progressively worsens, impacting mobility, independence, and long-term quality of life.

According to the CDC, over 32.5 million adults in the U.S. live with osteoarthritis, and rates are expected to rise dramatically as the population ages. So, what really happens when OA is left unmanaged?

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Chronic Joint Pain and Stiffness Become the Norm
• Swelling and Inflammation Build Up
• Mobility and Range of Motion Decline
• Joint Deformity and Structural Changes
• Increased Reliance on Painkillers
• Naturem™ Joints+: Daily Support for Joint Health
• Conclusion

Chronic Joint Pain and Stiffness Become the Norm

As articular cartilage gradually deteriorates, the joint’s natural ability to absorb shock and minimize friction is impaired. This degeneration contributes to persistent pain and stiffness, particularly noticeable during or after physical activity. According to the Mayo Clinic, morning stiffness and pain following periods of inactivity become increasingly frequent as osteoarthritis progresses.

Over the span of months to years, discomfort that once appeared sporadically often develops into chronic, activity-limiting pain. This transition reflects the cumulative effects of cartilage breakdown, synovial inflammation, and changes in subchondral bone structure. Clinical evidence confirms that chronic joint pain is a hallmark of osteoarthritis progression and is strongly associated with disability and reduced quality of life (Neogi, 2013).

Read more: Does Physical Inactivity Lead to Chronic Pain?

Swelling and Inflammation Build Up

Although osteoarthritis (OA) has long been described as a “non-inflammatory arthritis,” modern research demonstrates that inflammation is almost always present to some degree. The degenerative process begins with mechanical stress and cartilage breakdown, but the body’s attempt to repair damaged tissue triggers a cascade of inflammatory responses.

When cartilage fragments and degraded extracellular matrix components enter the synovial fluid, the immune system responds by releasing inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). These molecules promote the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes that further degrade cartilage. As the process continues, the joint capsule thickens, bone spurs (osteophytes) form, and synovial cells release more inflammatory mediators. This cycle produces visible swelling, warmth, and fluid buildup in the joint (Scanzello & Goldring, 2012).

Secondary inflammation accelerates the disease by damaging not only cartilage but also ligaments, tendons, and surrounding soft tissues. Over time, inflammation contributes to synovial hypertrophy, increased pain sensitivity, and worsening stiffness. Importantly, while OA pain was once thought to arise solely from “wear and tear,” we now understand that low-grade, chronic inflammation is a key driver of both pain and progressive joint degeneration (Robinson et al., 2016).

In practical terms, this means that managing OA requires more than simply supporting joint mechanics. Targeting the inflammatory component—through lifestyle changes, diet, physical therapy, and in some cases pharmacologic or botanical anti-inflammatory strategies—is essential for slowing disease progression and improving quality of life.

Read more: Primary vs. Secondary Chronic Inflammation

Mobility and Range of Motion Decline

As osteoarthritis advances, articular cartilage becomes progressively thinner, eventually exposing underlying bone surfaces. This results in direct “bone-on-bone” contact, which increases mechanical stress within the joint. The consequence is a gradual loss of joint flexibility, reduced range of motion, and greater difficulty performing routine tasks such as climbing stairs, kneeling, or even twisting a jar lid.

The structural changes do not remain isolated to the affected joint. As pain and stiffness limit natural movement, the body often adopts compensatory movement patterns—for example, shifting weight to the opposite leg, adjusting posture, or limiting joint flexion. While these adaptations may temporarily reduce discomfort, they place abnormal stress on adjacent joints, the spine, and surrounding musculature, which can accelerate degeneration and contribute to secondary musculoskeletal problems (Hunter & Bierma-Zeinstra, 2019).

Ultimately, the combination of mechanical restriction and pain-induced immobility creates a cycle of declining function: reduced physical activity weakens muscles, which further destabilizes joints and deepens the loss of mobility.

Read more: Mobility and Range of Motion Decline in Osteoarthritis

Joint Deformity and Structural Changes

In advanced osteoarthritis (OA), joints may visibly change shape due to both progressive cartilage loss and the growth of osteophytes (bone spurs). The Arthritis Foundation explains that OA can cause small finger joints to become enlarged and misshapen—forming nodular, gnarled appearances—while knees can develop inward (valgus) or outward (varus) angulation, and weight-bearing joints may gradually shift out of alignment.

These alterations impair balance and stability, restricting normal joint function. The combination of malalignment and structural deterioration forces compensatory movement patterns, which can strain surrounding muscles, ligaments, and adjacent joints—further accelerating functional decline. Without early and appropriate supportive interventions, such as bracing or physical therapy, these deformities may become permanent and significantly disabling.

Read more: Joint Deformity and Structural Changes in Osteoarthritis

Increased Reliance on Painkillers

As symptoms worsen, many people turn to NSAIDs or prescription painkillers for relief. While these may help short term, long-term use is associated with side effects such as:

• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Cardiovascular risk
• Liver or kidney stress
• Drug tolerance or dependency

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) advises caution with long-term medication and recommends non-pharmacological options as first-line management.

Read more: Increased Reliance on Painkillers in Osteoarthritis: Risks and Alternatives

Naturem™ Joints+: Daily Support for Joint Health

Ignoring osteoarthritis isn’t a neutral choice, it’s a decision that allows silent joint breakdown to continue. But the good news is, early intervention doesn’t have to mean surgery or lifelong medication.

If you’re looking for proactive, natural support for joint function, consider Naturem™ Joints+, a formula crafted to target the underlying mechanisms of joint aging. The formula is designed for long-term daily use, free of synthetic additives, and suitable for those seeking a non-drug approach to joint care.

 

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Osteoarthritis. CDC.
• Hunter, D. J., & Bierma-Zeinstra, S. (2019). Osteoarthritis. The Lancet, 393(10182), 1745–1759.
• Mayo Clinic. (2023). Osteoarthritis. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
• National Institute on Aging. (2021). Pain: You can get help. NIA.
• Neogi, T. (2013). The epidemiology and impact of pain in osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 21(9), 1145–1153.
• Robinson, W. H., Lepus, C. M., Wang, Q., Raghu, H., Mao, R., Lindstrom, T. M., & Sokolove, J. (2016). Low-grade inflammation as a key mediator of the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 12(10), 580–592.
• Scanzello, C. R., & Goldring, S. R. (2012). The role of synovitis in osteoarthritis pathogenesis. Bone, 51(2), 249–257.