Osteoarthritis Symptoms

With more than 20 million sufferers and an incredibly high number of suspected sufferers, osteoarthritis (OA) claims its place among the leading causes of disability in the U.S. adult population. Osteoarthritis symptoms include loss of mobility, muscular spasms and joint pain. However, these characteristics are common for most types of arthritis, making it hard to tell the exact symptoms of osteoarthritis.

OA is what specialists call a degenerative condition. It occurs mostly in people aged 40 and above and it is caused by normal wear of the joints. However, it can also be the result of trauma to a joint or the consequence of hormone disorders (diabetes, gout, etc.). The condition is mostly affects women, given the fact that their bone structure is more fragile than that of men.

Signs and Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Some distinctive signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis are: weather-sensitive joints – the joints become more painful in humid weather-, thigh pain, crepitus – a grinding nose that appears with movement- and bone deformations.

A number of osteoarthritis symptoms are also commonly experienced by patients suffering from other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Despite the feelings of stiffness, painful joints and swelling, osteoarthritis does not present with systemic characteristics. The symptoms of osteoarthritis do not affect any of the internal organs, but it attacks the joints directly. As in rheumatoid arthritis the inflammation of the joints is what causes trouble, in osteoarthritis the loss of joint cartilage is where all the problems begin. The existence of this cartilage is what helps the bones move and prevents them from rubbing directly against each other. When it wears away, the bones come into direct contact, making movement, if not completely impossible, but at least very painful and uncomfortable.

One of the most frightening osteoarthritis symptoms is the appearance of bony nodes on the bone ends of the fingers. These deformations are a consequence of the direct contact between the bones once the joint cartilage breaks down. This aspect of OA can have a deep emotional impact on the affected person, as the fingers become enlarged and ache or feel stiff. Fortunately, available medications and heat treatment are known to be very efficient against the combination of these well known symptoms of osteoarthritis.

People who experience osteoarthritis in their knees, also experience another symptom known by specialists as crepitus. When the joint cartilage in the knee is affected, movement becomes painful and it is accompanied by a grinding noise. Its presence can be very upsetting, but it fades away when the knee is treated with medication, walking aids or, if recommended by doctors, knee replacement surgery.

For Patients Suffering from Osteoarthritis Symptoms, a Positive, Supportive Environment is Important

Living with osteoarthritis can be a real burden for its victims, especially for seniors. The feeling of becoming old and unable to move can have a deeply emotional impact on elders. This is why maintaining a positive, supporting attitude is vital for the entire family. Regular visits to an arthritis specialist or physician, physical therapy and arthritis medication can turn living with osteoarthritis from a dull nightmarish existence to a truly enjoyable, active experience. Don’t let the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis bring you or your loved ones down!

Articles related to osteoarthritis symptoms:

Osteoarthritis Knee Pain

Osteoarthritis pain relief can be achieved through a combination of medication, physical therapy or surgical procedures, depending on the severity of the symptom and on the sufferer’s general health. In patients with incipient forms of the rheumatoid variant of this disease, osteoarthritis pain can be reduced using over the counter and home remedies as well. [...read more]

Degenerative Arthritis

It is common to have the occasional stiff or creaky joint as you become older. However, if you notice a knee or hip becoming increasingly problematic then you may be experiencing osteoarthritis symptoms, a “wear and tear” form of arthritis, which develops slowly and gradually over the course of several years and is also known as degenerative arthritis. If you suffer from this condition, there are plenty of osteoarthritis treatments for you to consider so that you can still enjoy life to the full. [...read more]

Osteoarthritis Treatments

Living with a serious medical condition isn’t easy. Osteoarthritis (OA) affects millions of people worldwide through joint pain, moving difficulty and even stiffness. Since the causes of osteoarthritis can multiple, the condition frequently occurring as a consequence of another disease, a single effective osteoarthritis treatment does not exist. If you or someone in your family has been recently diagnosed with this condition, consulting your physician should help you find an efficient treatment for osteoarthritis. [...read more]

Diet for Osteoarthritis

For most people affected by osteoarthritis, the idea of osteoarthritis natural remedies or osteoarthritis diet seem like a waste of time or a fraud carefully planned by a charlatan who wants to benefit from their affliction. However, it is widely accepted by OA specialists that an effective osteoarthritis diet can provide great relief to patients from this type of arthritis. [...read more]