Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis that affects joints of bones. The condition arises mainly due to loss of cartilaginous tissue covering the end region of bones that prevents shock during sliding. The loss of cartilage is due to wear and tear during motion.
The common types of pain during arthritis include:
- Steady and recurring pain in joints.
- Inflammation or swelling in joints
- Tenderness in the area with osteoarthritis
- Crunching like sound from joint parts of bones during motion.
- Feeling of stiffness at joints after a period of rest or after getting out of bed.
- Redness and hot with pain at joints. These are symptoms of other types of arthritis also. Osteoarthritis should be confirmed after consulting an expert orthopedician.
- Pain may be a symptom in all cases.
One third of osteoarthritic patients have not experienced pain in joints at initial stages
Osteoarthritis progress very slowly and in early stages pain will be experienced after any strenuous exercise or prolonged physical activities. The common areas of pain during the condition are hands, hips, knees and spine/back.
Hands: There is a type of osteoarthritis that primarily affects fingers. The disease runs in family and is thought to have some hereditary factors behind this. Small bony knobs, known as Heberden’s knobs, seem to appear at the end of fingers in some osteoarthritis patient. Bouchard’s knobs are those appear in the middle joint of fingers and are also common among osteoarthritic patients. The treatment methods include heat, splint and medication.
Knees: Arthritis in knee joints is common as they are weight bearing regions of a body. So the chance of wear and tear is high as the age progresses. The patients with knee inflammation may suffer from severe pain while walking, jumping or climbing. The region may appear swollen and stiff. Regular exercise and proper medication can control the illness to some extent.
Spine: Arthritis in spine will be result of stiffness and inflammation in lower back and neck region. It can also lead to numbness of legs and arms. Heat treatment, regular exercise and lying in straight firm mattress can reduce pain in some patients.
Hips: The pain will be experienced in inner thighs, groin region, buttocks or waists. Inflammation and osteoarthritis in hips can lead to severe disabilities. It will hinder regular movements including walking. The condition can get improved by using walking aid, doing exercise and taking medicines under prescription. |
