Osteoarthritis is a painful and debilitating disease that can occur in any joint but most commonly affects the fingers, hands, hips, and knees. It often begins with painless stiffness of the joints that gradually worsens over time. The symptoms are exacerbated by cold weather or prolonged periods of sitting or standing still. Osteoarthritis is caused by the wearing away of cartilage, the protective lining that cushions and lubricates the joints. Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists can diagnose and treat you accordingly. However, how do you know if you have osteoarthritis?
Pain in the Affected Joints
The most common symptom of osteoarthritis is a pain in the affected joints. The pain may be mild to severe and is typically worse after activity or use of the joint. It may also be accompanied by swelling, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion. The pain is caused by the wearing away of cartilage, the protective lining that cushions and lubricates the joints.
Joint Stiffness
Osteoarthritis can cause the joints to become stiff and difficult to move. The stiffness may be worse in the morning or after rest. It is caused by the inflammation and scarring of the joint tissues. There are a few things you can do to reduce joint stiffness in osteoarthritis:
- Warm-up before physical activity. A short warm-up before exercise can help loosen the joints and reduce pain.
- Modify your activity level. When you’re in pain, it’s important to avoid activities that aggravate your symptoms.
- Use assistive devices if needed. If you have difficulty using a specific joint, ask your doctor about using a cane, crutches, or braces to help you.
- Try physical therapy. Physical therapy can help improve range of motion and reduce pain and stiffness.
Grating Sensation
The grating sensation is a common symptom of osteoarthritis. It is caused by the wearing away of cartilage, the protective lining that cushions and lubricates the joints. When there is less cartilage, the bones rub against each other, causing a grating sensation. You might even hear cracking or popping sounds as the bones rub against each other.
Bone Spurs
Bone spurs are small, bony growths that can form around the edges of the joints in people with osteoarthritis. They are caused by the inflammation and scarring of the joint tissues. Bone spurs can cause pain and restricted movement.
Tenderness
Tenderness means the area of your body is sensitive to pressure. This can be caused by an inflammation, infection, or a cut. Generally, a delicate body part may also indicate certain medical conditions such as Fibromyalgia and Chorioamnioitis (preeclampsia).
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of many diseases, including osteoarthritis. It is caused by the inflammation and scarring of the joint tissues. People with osteoarthritis may feel tired and worn out for no apparent reason.
These are some of the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis. If you have any of them, it’s essential to see your doctor to get a diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to preventing further damage to the joints. Several treatments are available for osteoarthritis, including medications, physical therapy, and surgery.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that affects the joints, particularly the hands, hips, and knees. It often begins with painless stiffness of the joints that gradually worsens over time. The symptoms are exacerbated by cold weather or prolonged periods of sitting or standing still.
