Outlook

A single prognosis is difficult to establish because of the variety of factors influencing the disease. It also may be important to look at the particular joint involved rather than lumping all the joints together to predict the outcome. Symptoms may not be able to be predicted based on x-rays. But a few studies may predict joint deterioration.

Some findings suggest that the following are true: 

1. Narrowing of the joint space seems to be linked with deterioration of the condition. 
   
   
2. The presence of osteoarthritis of the hands is a predictive sign for deterioration of the knee joints. 
   
   
3. People with rapid progression seemed to have knee pain upon entry into clinical studies.

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Osteoarthritis - Symptoms at Onset of Disease

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

The symptoms of osteoarthritis can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?

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