Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

The symptoms of osteoarthritis distinguish it from the other forms of arthritis.  These symptoms of osteoarthritis are characterized by chronic pain, loss of mobility, and stiffness in the joints.  These symptoms of osteoarthritis can result from chronic damage to the joint or just wear and tear over the lifespan of the joints.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

The symptoms of osteoarthritis affect joints in the hand, feet, spine, and especially the weight bearing joints like the hips and knees.  Theoretically though, any joint in the body can exhibit symptoms of osteoarthritis.  As the disease progresses, the joints become enlarged and unsightly.  The time of onset of symptoms of arthritis also distinguish it from other forms of arthritis.  In osteoarthritis, the pain is worse after use of the joint.  So, the pain symptoms of osteoarthritis are worse towards the end of the day or after exercise, which is the exact opposite pattern to symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

The pain symptoms of osteoarthritis is often a sharp pain or achy sensation in the affected joint.  This can also be accompanied by burning sensations in the muscles or tendons too.  When the joint is moving, often the patient can hear crackling sounds.  This is called crepitis.  Normal joints exhibit crepitis so it is not a specific symptom of osteoarthritis.

In smaller joints such as the last knuckle on the fingers, hard bony lumps can form.  These are called Heberden’s nodes.  If these form on the middle knuckle, they are known as Bouchard’s nodes.  These aren’t usually painful but do limit movement around that knuckle.  These are distinctive symptoms of osteoarthritis.  Nodes do not form on the knuckles in the toes, thought osteoarthritis does lead to bunion formation.

The symptoms of osteoarthritis are pretty well defined.  Unfortunately these symptoms of osteoarthritis are only treatable, not curable.