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Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and affects over 32.5 million adults in the US. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage cushioning in your joint breaks down over time. The symptoms of osteoarthritis escalate slowly. You may feel something different in one or two joints and find that the symptoms worsen or increase in area over time. Below are some signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Pain when using the affected joints or after certain movements. Some people may feel that the pain in their joints gets worse at night. Pain may be localized in areas such as your fingers. In areas such as your hip, the pain may be widespread and even radiate down to your knees. You may find that the pain improves with rest.

Stiffness in the joints, especially in the mornings or after prolonged rest. Joint stiffness may last for about half an hour and typically improves after a period of activity. Stiffness can also include loss of flexibility and decreased range of motion. For instance, you may not be able to turn your hips as far as you were previously able to or bend down as low as you could before.

Swelling and tenderness around the joints are other symptoms of osteoarthritis. This is caused by inflammation of the tissue around the joint due to damage to the cartilage. Swelling typically occurs after there has been stress on the joint through strenuous activity. The area may also feel tender to the touch.

You may feel a grating sensation or hear a grinding noise when using your joints. This is a common symptom of arthritis of the knees. You may feel that the bones in your knee are scraping against each other and may even hear a popping or crackling sound when climbing stairs.

Other symptoms of osteoarthritis can include changes to the shape of your joints due to the formation of extra bone around the joint. You may also feel your joints becoming weak or unstable. As the symptoms worsen, you can have difficulty performing regular actions such as gripping, squatting, sitting down and standing up, or walking. The pain may be enervating, leaving you tired and feeling down.

Osteoarthritis Risk Factors

As osteoarthritis is associated with the gradual wear and tear of your joints, its risk increases with age. Many people who are affected by osteoarthritis are older. However, there are other risk factors to consider.

According to the National Institute on Aging, women are more likely than men to develop osteoarthritis after the age of 45, particularly in the hands and knees. Heavier body weight and obesity also correlate to a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis as the increased weight adds stress on the weight-bearing joints. Furthermore, excess fatty tissue around the joints can cause inflammation that exacerbates the problem.

Repetitive strain is another risk factor for osteoarthritis. For instance, people who work on a factory assembly line and perform the same motion for hours at a time may develop osteoarthritis in their wrists. Similarly, injuries to your joints from playing sports or being involved in an accident can add to the risk of developing osteoarthritis. Old joint injuries that appear to have healed completely may still add to the risk of osteoarthritis.

Genetics plays a part as well. People with a family history of osteoarthritis are more likely to experience the problem. Some people may also have a greater possibility of developing certain metabolic conditions such as diabetes that, in turn, increase the risk of osteoarthritis. In addition, people born with malformed joints or those whose joints did not develop properly have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis.

How to Manage Osteoarthritis

Weight loss is the number one way to improve your osteoarthritis symptoms. If you are currently overweight, even dropping a few pounds can relieve pressure on your joints and significantly reduce your pain. Try to consume a healthier diet with more whole foods and vegetables. Complementary nutritional supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin have shown promising benefits for people with osteoarthritis. Do some research to find the best joint supplement for your needs.

Regular exercise can help you lose weight, improve your overall health, and strengthen the muscles that support your joints. When choosing an exercise regime, be sure to pick one that is appropriate to your level of fitness. Exercise that is too intense can cause more damage to your joints. Try movement therapies such as tai chi, yoga, or swimming that incorporate a wide range of motion into gentle exercise. When in doubt, consult a physical therapist or a personal trainer familiar with osteoarthritis.

Aside from lifestyle changes, your doctor can also help you to cope with osteoarthritis, especially if you have other chronic conditions that may complicate the issue. Your doctor may prescribe medications or give you injections to relieve pain or reduce inflammation. They may also recommend the use of supportive devices to aid with your mobility. As pain and physical limitations can cause emotional distress, be sure to talk to someone if you are feeling depressed or anxious about your condition.