Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Osteoarthritis symptoms include the following

Pain in the jointStiffness of the jointMuscular weaknessSensation of catching or locking of the joint

Before we know in detail about these symptoms it is essential to know from where the pain arises.

As cartilage has no nerve fibers hence trauma to or loss of cartilage cannot cause any pain. Thus pain in osteoarthritis arises from other structures of the joint that have nerve fibers. These include

Bone below the cartilageJoint capsuleMusclesLigamentsSynovial tissueOsteophytes

Joint pain in osteoarthritis is dependent on movement. Movement brings on the pain and there is no pain when when the joint is still. Once pain has started it gradually subsides after activity has stopped.

Initially the pain occurs off and on and during periods of increased activity. As the disease progresses the pain comes on with normal day to day activity. Night pain may also occur. Pain only occurs in the area of the diseased joint. Like, around the hip in hip osteoarthritis, around the knee in knee disease.

The joints involved may also become stiff. This stiffness usually does not last longer than 30 minutes in the morning.

At times there may be locking or catching of the joint (usually seen in the knee). This is be due to loose pieces of cartilage and bone caught between the articular surfaces.

At times osteophytes may suddenly fracture. This may result in sudden pain and swelling. As the disease progresses deformities such as bow legs and knock knee may become more pronounced.

I hope you found the information on this page useful. If you have any query you can ask me at the contact me page.

This page was last updated on 10th June 2009.

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