Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects the cartilage in joints. This condition is the most common joint disorder, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. With osteoarthritis, the ligaments and muscles around the affected joints weaken due to the bones rubbing together after the cartilage has worn away. There is no known cause of osteoarthritis, but risk factors include a family history of the condition, increased age, overuse of the joints and being overweight. Symptoms of osteoarthritis usually occur in the knees, spine, hips and hands.
Pain
Pain is the most common symptom of osteoarthritis due to the damaged cartilage. The pain can start slowly and increase as the condition progresses. The deep, aching pain occurs when the affected joints move, especially during weight-bearing activities. Some individuals experience chronic pain, while others experience intermittent pain. A bone spur can form in the joint causing hard lumps in the area that cause pain. In addition to the pain, tenderness can occur when applying pressure to the joint, according to MayoClinic.com. The pain may increase during wet weather or humid conditions.
Decreased Movement
Joints affected by osteoarthritis begin to lose normal range of motion. The decreased movement worsens as the condition progresses. Along with decreased movement, the joint becomes stiff and loses flexibility. The stiffness occurs commonly after periods of inactivity, such as sleeping, but after moving the joint, stiffness decreases, according to the Merck Manuals. Swelling of the joints will also cause decreased movement.
Joint Instability
Joints may become unstable due to the stretching of ligaments around the joint. A common joint affected by instability is the knee. Muscles can weaken around the joints affected by osteoarthritis, according to MedlinePlus.
Abnormal Sensations
As the joint moves, abnormal sensations can occur due to the bones rubbing together because of the lack of cartilage. These sensations include grating or crunching sounds and feelings.
Joint Appearance
Joints, especially in the fingers, change shape and size around the affected areas. Bouchard's nodes and Heberden's nodes are the bony knobs that appear on the joints in the fingers, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. These finger joints appear gnarly and disfigured due to the osteoarthritis.
