General osteoarthritis symptoms

The pain of osteoarthritis almost always begins gradually, progressing slowly over many years. People under 40 may have the condition with no symptoms at all.

Osteoarthritis is commonly identified by the following symptoms:
  • The most common symptom of osteoarthritis in any joint is pain that worsens during activity and that gets better during rest. It should be noted, however, that stiffness also tends to follow periods of inactivity, such as sleep or sitting, which can last for more than an hour or it can be eased by stretching and exercise. As the disease advances, the pain may occur even when the joint is at rest and can keep a sufferer awake at night.
  • Pain is generally described as aching, stiffness, and loss of mobility.
  • The pain may behave like a roller coaster, with bad spells followed by periods of relative relief.
  • Pain seems to increase in humid weather.
  • Some people experience muscle spasm and contractions in the tendons.
  • Osteoarthritis in the knee may cause a crackling like noise (called crepitus) when moved.
  • Fatigue and general weakness are not signs of osteoarthritis.

 

Arthritis News

Arthritis of the spine often overlooked in children

When kids or teens experience aching joints and stiffness it may be more than growing pains. It may be arthritis of the spine and other joints (ankylosing spondylitis), which researchers report can of...

Arthritis: Get moving, lose that weight

Age, injury, obesity and genetics all play a role in the development of osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis develops over time as wear and tear on the body's joints grind...

Treatment Of Psoriatic Arthritis - Humira (Adalimumab) Approved In Europe

"Until today, the options for patients and physicians seeking an effective medication to treat both the joint and skin aspects of psoriatic arthritis were limited," said Serge Steinfeld, M.D...