Common symptoms of osteoarthritis of hip, knees and hands

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the United State and other parts of the world. It is a condition that causes joints to become painful and stiff by causing difficulty to do daily activities. It commonly occurs when a protective layer of cartilage on the ends of bones wears down eventually.

Although, osteoarthritis can damage any joint bone in your body, but the disorder is most common in your hands, hips, knees and spine.  However, osteoarthritis symptoms can be managed effectively by following a healthy lifestyle, staying active, and following the recommended treatment can help you improve pain and joint function.

At some instances, these symptoms may come and go, which can be related to things such as your daily activity level and even weather conditions. In some serious conditions, these symptoms can be continuous and unbearable. You should see your primary care physician if you have persistent symptoms of osteoarthritis, so that they can verify, diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment.

Here are some commonly noticed symptoms of osteoarthritis;

·         increased pain and stiffness when no moment for a while

·         joint tenderness

·         swelling - joints appearing slightly larger than usual

·         constant grating or crackling sound or sensation in your joints during slightest moment

·         prolonged pain and limited range of movement due joints pain

·         weakness and loss of muscle bulk

Osteoarthritis of the hip

Osteoarthritis in your hip joints often causes difficulty in doing activities such as putting on or removing your shoes or get in & out of a car or bed, etc. At times, it may even cause stiffness in

hips when you’re sitting or standing for a long period of time.

Patients with osteoarthritis in the hip often find it difficult to walk due to the stabbing pains. The condition usually develops slowly over the course of many years.

The following are the symptoms of hip osteoarthritis,

Ø  Joint stiffness that occurs as you are getting out of bed

Ø  A sound or feeling ("crunching") of bone rubbing against bone

Ø  Pain, swelling, or tenderness in the hip joint

Ø  Joint inflexibility after you sit for a long time

Ø  Inability to move the hip to carry out daily routine activities

Osteoarthritis of the knee

While ageing is among the top factors causing osteoarthritis of the knee, however young people can get it too. In some cases, it may be hereditary, for others it may be due to some injury or infection or due to excessive weight. This pain can become chronic while walking or using stairs.
Common symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee are:

Ø  Pain and stiffness in knee joints

Ø  Creaking, crunching, & grinding sensation when you move the joint

Ø  Hard or Soft swellings

Ø  Knee muscles become weak or the joint structure is less stable

Ø  Knee movement is not normal or as it would be

Ø  Knees becoming bent and bowed

Ø  Muscles around your knee joint look thin or wasted.

Osteoarthritis of the hand 

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis of the hands may differ from person to person. Many a times it depends upon a specific joint affected. It can be painful and difficult to perform certain manual tasks, such as writing, opening jars or turning keys.

Common symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hand are,

·         Joints pain and stiffness

·         the base of your thumb

·         the joints closest to your fingertips

·         the middle joints of your fingers

·         grinding, grating feeling or a crunchy sound when joints move

·         Fingers become stiff, painful- and swollen

·         Development of bumps on your finger joints

·         Your fingers may bend sideways slightly at your affected joints

·         Development of painful cysts (fluid-filled lumps) on the backs of your fingers

·         A bump at the base of your thumb where it joins your wrist

Common Symptoms of Osteoarthritis of Hip, Knees and Hands by Health Care on Scribd