Signs Indicative of Osteoarthritis: A Look
Osteoarthritis, a common degenerative joint disease, often affects adults in the United States, particularly in the early stages, targeting the knees, hips, hands, spine, and feet.
In the initial stages, pain associated with osteoarthritis is often predictable, with certain activities triggering pain in distinct areas. For instance, knees may cause pain when walking, climbing stairs, or standing up, accompanied by stiffness and swelling. Hips may present pain in the groin or inner thigh area, while hands, specifically the base of the thumb and joints closest to fingertips, may become tender. Spine involvement, be it in the neck or lower back, can lead to pain and limited mobility.
As the condition progresses, symptoms may worsen, and a person may experience a worsening of symptoms at the end of the day and at night. However, in the early stages, these symptoms are less pronounced.
Tenderness in a person's joints can indicate the early stages of osteoarthritis. Other signs to be aware of include pain and swelling in the joints, joint tenderness, joint stiffness, redness on joints (though this may be difficult to see on darker skin), warmth around the joints, and loss in the range of motion. A person with early osteoarthritis may also begin to hear their joints making sounds such as creaking, cracking, and popping.
To manage osteoarthritis in its early stages, nonpharmacological methods such as exercising, stretching, and maintaining a moderate weight may be recommended. Low impact exercises that build muscle around the affected joints can ease stress on joints and improve a person's balance to reduce the risk of falls and injury. Stretching can help to improve a person's mobility and reduce joint stiffness.
If symptoms persist for longer than 3 days or occur several times within a month, a person should speak with a doctor. As the condition progresses, doctors may recommend a combination of medication and lifestyle changes to minimize pain and maintain quality of life. For those who have obesity or overweight, losing weight may reduce stress on weight-bearing joints.
During the development of osteoarthritis, cartilage gradually hardens, and crepitus can occur, which is a grinding sound that can happen when bone rubs against cartilage or other bones. Swelling visible around the joint may be more prevalent in the later stages of osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that causes the bones in the joints to thin and weaken. It's essential to address the symptoms early to manage the condition effectively and maintain a good quality of life.
