The Illinois Department of Public Health notes that more than 120 types of arthritis exist, but the most common form of arthritis---affecting over 21 million adults in the United States---is osteoarthritis. The symptoms of osteoarthritis occur in the joints of the body. Common joints affected by arthritis include the knees, hips, hands and spine. Risk factors for developing osteoarthritis include advanced age, an injury to a joint and being overweight. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but treatments can help ease some of the symptoms.
Pain
Pain occurs in the affected joints with osteoarthritis. The pain may begin slowly and increase in intensity and duration. As the condition progresses, the cartilage breaks down and allows the bones in the joint to rub together, causing the pain. The aching pain occurs when using the joint; rest helps relieve the pain. Pain from osteoarthritis may worsen during wet or humid weather, notes MedlinePlus. Individuals may also experience the pain of bone spurs that begin to grow on the ends of the bones. Additional pain occurs due to small bits of cartilage and bone floating freely in the joint space, says the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. As the degenerative condition progresses, individuals may begin to experience chronic pain. Tenderness may occur when pressing on the arthritic joint.
Swelling
Due to the inflammation in the joint from the bones rubbing together, the entire affected joint can swell. This swelling and inflammation can also cause the skin to appear reddened and the joint may feel warm to the touch, according to MedlinePlus. The bones at the affected joint can feel larger than usual.
Decreased Range of Motion
An individual affected by osteoarthritis can experience a decrease in mobility in the arthritic joints. The decreased ability to move the joint occurs due to swelling and pain as well as stiffness in the joint. Many individuals have stiffness when waking in the morning or following rest of the affected joint. Decreased range of motion may also occur due to muscular weakness surrounding the joint. Some individuals feel or hear a grating sound when attempting to move the joint.
