Key Early Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a debilitating condition that counts as the most commonly experienced form of arthritis experienced worldwide. Millions feel its effects every year, and the condition has the potential to make impacts on several different elements of one’s life. Below, we cover key early symptoms of osteoarthritis.

However, like many conditions, there are ways to manage this condition, which is easier to do when the condition is caught early in its development. Staying apprised of the early symptoms of this condition is key to this.

If you have osteoarthritis, or are just interested in learning more about it, take a look at this overview of some of the early warning signs associated with it.

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease. In this condition, cartilage and bone begin to degenerate over time. This expresses itself in a number of different symptoms.

Osteoarthritis can be quite debilitating and can impact one’s quality of life over the course of many years. Swelling, decreased mobility, and more unfortunate consequences are to be expected as the condition progresses. There is no current cure for osteoarthritis. However, the condition can be managed over time.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

There are many different symptoms that can express themselves. These symptoms start slowly and worsen over time. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Stiffness: This type of stiffness might be most noticeable directly after waking up.
Tenderness: If you apply light pressure to your joints and they feel tender, you may be developing osteoarthritis.
Pain: The joints affected may hurt during or after movement.
Grating sensation: You might feel a grating sensation when you employ your joints.
Loss of flexibility: A reduced range of motion is often indicative of developing osteoarthritis.
Bone spurs: Extra bits of bone can form around the affected joints.
Swelling: Inflammation caused by swelling can be indicative of developing arthritis.

Causes of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis develops as the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones in your joints begins to deteriorate. Cartilage is a firm and slippery substance that enables nearly frictionless joint motion under normal circumstances. If the cartilage wears down to the point that the bone rubs on bone, it can produce discomfort and pain.

Osteoarthritis is often referred to as a wear and tear disease. Aside from the breakdown of cartilage, osteoarthritis can impact the entire set of joints. It causes changes in one’s bones and deteriorates the connective tissues that hold one’s joints together. Inflammation of the joint lining is also possible.

Risk Factors for Osteoarthritis

There are many different risk factors for the development of osteoarthritis. Some of the major ones include the following risk factors:

Obesity: Forcing your body to carry extra body weight can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. The heavier you are, the greater your risk in general for developing arthritis.
Joint injuries: Injuries incurred on the joints from sports or from accidents can influence the risk of developing osteoarthritis. Even injuries that you incur from many years ago can influence the development of osteoarthritis.
Gender: In general, women are more susceptible to developing osteoarthritis. The connection between these elements isn’t entirely clear.
Old age: As one ages, their susceptibility to developing osteoarthritis increases dramatically.
Stress on the joints: If you have a job or play sports that places stress on your joints, you might be vulnerable to developing osteoarthritis.
Bone deformities: Some individuals are born with joints and deformities that make them more susceptible to the development of osteoarthritis.
Metabolic diseases: Diabetes and other conditions that affect one’s metabolism can influence the development of osteoarthritis.

You’ll be able to determine which of the possible causes and risk factors of osteoarthritis are impacting your personal situation during a consultation with your physician. This type of consultation will occur prior to any type of treatment being performed.

Your Consultation

Depending on the details of your particular medical condition, your physician may recommend a number of additional procedures to enhance your procedural outcomes.

During your pre-operative visit, your doctor will go over all of this. This is the moment when you will be able to review all the pertinent details regarding your treatment.

Since every patient has a unique set of needs when it comes to ptosis repair, you will have the chance to discuss these topics in more detail.

An Arthritis Expert for LA

Dr. Yashar and the rest of the team at Yashar Neurosurgery is completely dedicated to giving the residents of LA and beyond the best in osteoarthritis treatment. If you’re interested in discussing with a spine surgeon about your condition, contact Dr. Yashar today in order to get your treatment on track.