General osteoarthritis symptoms
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...
Long-standing rheumatoid arthritis - Adalimumab plus methotrexate effective
For people with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis, combined treatment with the new "biologic" drug adalimumab and methotrexate is about five times more effective than methotrexate alone, ac...
Specialist care delayed for women with arthritis
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Women with early rheumatoid arthritis are referred to a rheumatologist later than men, new research shows. Early referral for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been established...