The Warning Signs of Osteoarthritis
The human body is a complex machine. It’s also extremely fragile. In addition to being susceptible to breakage, the human body experiences various diseases and ailments that can be dangerous if left untreated. Osteoarthritis is one such condition.
Arthritis is a disease in which joint cartilage breaks down, and bone meets unyielding friction. With Osteoarthritis, the cartilage breaks down but does not heal properly, so the bones begin rubbing against each other instead. In this blog, you will learn more about Osteoarthritis and its various warning signs.
Symptoms and Signs of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that causes deterioration of the cartilage, which is the tissue that cushions the ends of the bones. The symptoms of Osteoarthritis include stiffness, pain, and decreased range of motion in the affected joints. In some cases, Osteoarthritis can also cause deformities in the joints. Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the knees but can also affect other joints such as the hips, hands, and spine. The symptoms of Osteoarthritis usually worsen with age.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
The early signs and symptoms of Osteoarthritis are usually joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after a period of inactivity. The joint may also creak or grind with movement. These symptoms are usually worse later in the day. Other symptoms include joint pain, tenderness, and swelling. The pain may worsen with activity or after a long period of sitting or standing. Arthritis can also affect the spine, causing stiffness and pain in the neck or lower back.
Osteoarthritis Diagnosis
Osteoarthritis causes the joints to develop slowly over time. The doctor may diagnose Osteoarthritis by looking at the joint pain and how it affects the person’s ability to move.
Osteoarthritis Causes
Osteoarthritis can cause joint damage and pain. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It usually develops slowly over time. Cartilage is a substance that cushions the joints. In Osteoarthritis, the cartilage breaks down, causing the bones to rub together.
This can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness. Risk factors for developing Osteoarthritis include age, obesity, and previous joint injury. Your risk of developing osteoarthritis increases with age. Obesity increases the risk of developing Osteoarthritis because it puts extra strain on the joints. Previous joint injury can also increase the risk of developing Osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis Complications
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint but most commonly affects the hands, knees, hips, and spine. People with Osteoarthritis often have trouble performing everyday activities, such as cooking and cleaning. In severe cases, Osteoarthritis can make it difficult to walk or even get out of bed.
There is no cure, but treatments available can help relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. These treatments include exercise, weight loss, pain medication, and joint surgery. In some cases, Osteoarthritis can lead to complications such as joint deformity, bone spurs, and loss of joint function.
Learn More About Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis. The early symptoms appear slowly in many cases. If left untreated, the disease will cause joint pain and loss of function. Osteoarthritis can sometimes affect the spine, causing back pain and inflammation.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis depend on the type of joint involved, but they usually start with an abrupt onset that worsens over time. If you believe you may have osteoarthritis symptoms, then you should consult your spine doctor for diagnosis and further treatment. Contact Orthopedic Laser Spine Surgery at (855) 853-6542 or complete our online form to schedule a consultation.