July 6, 2009

Font Size
A
A
A

Osteoarthritis (cont.)

Osteoarthritis Symptoms

The following signs and symptoms may be seen:

  • Pain: Aching pain, stiffness, or difficulty moving the joint may develop in 1 or more joints. The pain may get worse with overuse and may occur at night. With progression of this arthritis, the pain can occur at rest.

  • Specific joints are affected.

    • Fingers: Bone enlargements in the fingertips (first joint) are common. These are called Heberden nodes. They are usually not painful. Sometimes they can develop suddenly and are painful, swollen, and red. This is known as nodal osteoarthritis and occurs in women older than 45 years.

    • Hip: The hips are major weight-bearing joints. Involvement of the hips may be seen more in men. Farmers, construction workers, and firefighters have been found to have an increased incidence of hip osteoarthritis. Researchers think that a heavy physical workload contributes to OA of the hip and knee.

    • Knees: The knees are also major weight-bearing joints. Repetitive squatting and kneeling may promote osteoarthritis.

    • Spine: Osteoarthritis of the spine can cause bone spurs or osteophytes, which can pinch or crowd nerves and cause pain and potentially weakness in the arms or legs.



Next: When to Seek Medical Care »

Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend

Arthritis

Get the latest treatment options

Are You Depressed? Take the Quiz

Guided Knee Replacement Guided Knee Replacement
Computers are making it easier for surgeons to achieve a near-perfect fit when it comes to knee replacement surgery. See more WebMD Videos »


Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine

Osteoarthritis »

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common articular disease worldwide, affecting over 20 million individuals in the United States alone.

Read More on eMedicine »

Adult Skin Problems Slideshow

Search Medical Dictionary