In general the symptoms of osteoarthritis become apparent slowly and vary from person to person.

Some people are not aware of any symptoms.  Indeed some studies suggest that two thirds of people whose x-rays show osteoarthritis do not report any symptoms at all, including pain.

Nonetheless, for those who do have symptoms, here are the more common warning signs. You may experience some or all of these.

• Early in the disease, joints may ache after physical activity.
• Persistent or intermittent pain in a joint.
• Stiffness in the affected joint for more than an hour after a prolonged period of rest or inactivity - particularly evident in the morning.
• Swelling or tenderness in the joint.
• Numbness in the joint.
• A crunching feeling or the sound of bone rubbing directly onto bone when the joint is moved - this is termed crepitus.

Although osteoarthritis in principal can occur in any joint, it is found most often in the fingers, and the weight-bearing knee joint and spine.  When a joint develops the condition, it remains osteoarthritic for life. This is in contrast to rheumatoid arthritis, where the disease can come and go, with 'active' and 'inactive' phases.

The fingers
Aching, stiffness and numbness are common indications of osteoarthritis in the finger joints.  As the disease progresses, the bone ends may thicken and form small, bony spurs. These are called Heberden's nodes when they appear on the end joints of the fingers, and Bouchard's nodes when they appear on the middle joints.

These nodes can cause the fingers to appear enlarged and crooked, a characteristic visual sign of osteoarthritis.  The base of the thumb joint is also commonly affected.

The knee and hip
The crucial weight-bearing joints of the knee and the hip are commonly affected by osteoarthritis.  The resulting symptoms of pain and stiffness can make mobility and daily activities such as dressing very difficult.  Lack of treatment can lead to severe disability - it is vital to listen to your body and visit the doctor if you are experiencing any of the signs outlined above.

The spine
Osteoarthritis can manifest itself in the spine by stiffness and pain in the neck and/or lower back.  Weakness or numbness in the arms and legs can also be an indication of the presence of the disease.

24/04/2009