Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative orthopedic condition caused due to gradual wear and tear of the joint cartilage. As a result, the protective tissues that sustain the joint load get damaged, causing the bones to rub against each other. This causes pain and inflammation in the joint. Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the spine, hand, knee and hip joint.
Here are some of the symptoms that may indicate the onset of Osteoarthritis:
Pain And Tenderness: Initially, the patient may start feeling pain that tends to worsen as the day progresses. Performing certain activities may also aggravate the symptoms such as hand pain after typing, knee pain after climbing stairs or ankle pain after walking. The affected joint may also be tender to touch, along with slight swelling, specifically after prolonged physical stress. - Joint Stiffness And Swelling: After waking up in the morning or staying inactive for a considerable period of time, the Arthritic joint may become stiff. However, the stiffness may gradually subside after the patient warms up the joint by performing light exercises or carrying out the daily activities. Osteoarthritis may also lead to the development of bone spurs around the affected joint. This may cause swelling and make the joint look bony or crooked.
- Unusual Sensations: Cartilage acts as shock absorbers and allows the joint to move smoothly. The wearing out of cartilage due to Osteoarthritis leads to rubbing of bones which produces unusual sensations in the joint. The patient may feel or hear a grating sensation when using the affected joint.
- Decreased Range Of Motion: The patient may find it difficult to move the joint as flexibly as before. For instance, bending the knee, making a fist or flexing the foot may cause pain and discomfort. Sudden catching, buckling or giving away is also quite common in the early stages of Osteoarthritis.
- Pain During Specific Times: During the early stages of Osteoarthritis, the symptoms may be limited to certain times of the day. The patient may experience pain and stiffness after physical activity, waking up in the morning or sitting on the desk throughout the day. However, as the condition progresses, the joint may ache even when not in use.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is advisable that you visit an orthopedic surgeon for timely diagnosis and treatment. He may prescribe certain medications, knee braces or exercises that may slow down or halt the progression of the condition.
