What is the pain of osteoarthritis like?
The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and sometimes stiffness in the affected joints. The pain tends to be worse when you move the joint or at the end of the day. Your joints may feel stiff after rest, but this usually wears off fairly quickly once you get moving. Symptoms may vary for no obvious reason.
What parts of the body does osteoarthritis affect the most?
Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the hands, lower back, neck, and weight-bearing joints such as knees, hips, and feet. Osteoarthritis affects just joints, not internal organs.
What triggers osteoarthritis pain?
The most common triggers of an OA flare are overdoing an activity or trauma to the joint. Other triggers can include bone spurs, stress, repetitive motions, cold weather, a change in barometric pressure, an infection or weight gain.
Does osteoarthritis make you tired?
People with OA often have to exert extra physical effort in order to carry out the basic daily tasks of living. This can cause fatigue. Inflammation is caused by chemical mediators called cytokines. They can also cause fatigue.
Can you feel unwell with osteoarthritis?
It causes inflammation and may make people feel sick, tired and sometimes feverish, among other symptoms. Some younger people get osteoarthritis from a joint injury, but osteoarthritis most often occurs in people over 40.
Does osteoarthritis show in blood tests?
There is no blood test for the diagnosis of osteoarthritis. Blood tests are performed to exclude diseases that can cause secondary osteoarthritis, as well as to exclude other arthritis conditions that can mimic osteoarthritis. X-rays of the affected joints are the main way osteoarthritis is identified.
What are the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis?
Pain or aching
What can you do for osteoarthritis?
Stay active. Exercise may be the last thing you want to do when your arthritis hurts.
What is the prognosis for osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time.
What are the main causes of osteoarthritis?
– Physically demanding jobs can increase your risk of osteoarthritis, more so if it involves heavy and repetitive activity. – the Previous injury to a joint can also increase your risk of osteoarthritis. – Infections, illness or an allergic reaction can cause short-lived arthritis. – Some diets may appear to make your arthritis worse.