How to detect, diagnose and treat osteoarthritis early? X-ray radiographs show joint space narrowing, subchondral bone sclerosis, cystic changes, joint edge osteophytes, intra-articular free bodies, etc. In severe cases, joint surface atrophy, joint subluxation, deformity, but joint ankylosis is not common. CT is mainly used for the diagnosis of intervertebral disc lesions, and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can show lesions of all structures of the joint such as articular cartilage, meniscus, and soft tissues, which is beneficial for the early diagnosis of osteoarthritis. It is important to emphasize that many patients have imaging changes that do not parallel the clinical presentation, i.e., so-called “radiological osteoarthritis” can be asymptomatic. Conversely, patients with similar symptoms without imaging confirmation may have early onset chondromalacia patellae or local soft tissue injury. How is osteoarthritis treated? The goal of treatment for osteoarthritis is to reduce symptoms, delay structural changes in the joints, maintain joint function, and improve quality of life The pyramid scheme for the treatment of osteoarthritis proposed by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) in 1995, the guidelines for the treatment of osteoarthritis developed by the ACR in 2000, and the recommendations of the European Union of Rheumatology Societies (EULAR) for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee are basically three-fold, namely, non- pharmacological treatment, pharmacological treatment, and surgical treatment. However, osteoarthritis, as a chronic disease with multiple etiologies and varying clinical manifestations, should be treated in a comprehensive manner, so these three aspects of treatment are not completely bound to the order of priority. In addition, physical therapy should be emphasized. Appropriate joint activity is necessary to increase muscle strength and improve joint stability, but should be limited to the appropriate level. An early and active treatment of osteoarthritis should not be based on a negative attitude of inaction, with special emphasis on patient education and life coaching. Treatment should be individualized. When recommending medication or surgery for patients with “symptomatic osteoarthritis”, the benefits (efficacy) should be weighed against the costs (possible side effects, cost burden, etc.). Care must be taken in determining surgical treatment in particular. Can arthritis be prevented? How do I take care of myself? To prevent arthritis, it is important to take care of your joints from a young age and to avoid obesity, stress and strain. In addition, diet and exercise can reduce the chance of developing degenerative arthritis and slow down the degeneration of joints, which is the most fundamental way to prevent and treat degenerative arthritis. Three aspects of health care are commonly used: physical activity, pain management, and weight control. Proper exercise is particularly important in controlling the progression of the disease. You can choose gentle exercises with low impact, such as walking, playing tai chi, and moving your waist, hips or limbs in place. Depending on your condition, activities that cannot be done at once can be completed in stages. If the conditions are limited (e.g., can not go outdoors) or overweight patients, can also be indoors through changing positions, stretching the waist side, lifting the legs and hands, etc., so that the whole body joints to get activity, so as to achieve the purpose of relieving limb and joint stiffness. At the same time, exercise should be gradual and choose some recreational activities, and the exercise methods can be diversified, as long as they can make the whole body and limbs “move”. What is the appropriate temperature for air conditioning? It varies from person to person. Generally speaking, do not sleep below 28-29℃ at night, and it is best to wear long pants and long shirts to protect your joints. Normally, the air conditioning should not be lower than 26℃. Do not live in an air-conditioned room for a long time, moderate exercise is still needed.