Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease, caused by the wearing down of the cartilage between the joints over a period of time. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases notes that osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, and it is often sometimes referred to as degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis has a few distinct symptoms, and if you experience these symptoms you should see your physician for evaluation as soon as possible.
Pain
With osteoarthritis, the pain may begin as tenderness but develop into a stronger pain sensation over time. Any joint can become tender and painful, but osteoarthritis most commonly affects the neck, hands, lower back, hips and knees. When the cartilage first begins to wear down, you may feel a slight tenderness when pressure is applied to the joint or you use it for an extended period of time. As osteoarthritis progresses, and the cartilage is no longer cushioning the bones, the bones begin to rub together with movement. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, it is the joints rubbing together that causes the pain and inflammation. Pain is said to be worse in the morning and gets better as the day progresses. However, excessive use of the joint can cause the pain to worsen again.
Stiffness
Stiffness in the affected joint area is another symptom of osteoarthritis. Stiffness sets in when the joint goes an extended period of time without being used. For example, the Mayo Clinic reports that stiffness is often most noticeable in the morning, when the body has been inactive for several hours during sleep. Stiffness can also occur after sitting, standing or holding any particular position for a period of time. As osteoarthritis progresses, joint stiffness may turn into a loss of the full range of movement for the joint affected. If it is the knees, you may eventually not be able to fully extend your legs or make your knees go straight.
Crunching Sounds
One of the symptoms of osteoarthritis is a crunching sound when you use the joint. Because there is no cartilage left to cushion the area between the bones, the bones rub together and can make a crunching noise or grating sound. The Arthritis Foundation also reports that there can be bony growths that form at the end of the bones, which can contribute to the grating sounds, as well as to the limited range of movement and pain.
