Common Symptoms of Osteoarthritis: What to Look For

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Oct 10, 2024

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Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting millions of people every day. It happens when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. This cartilage allows your joints to move smoothly, but constant use and other factors can cause it to deteriorate. Things like joint injuries, repetitive movements, and carrying extra weight can increase your risk.

While osteoarthritis can affect any joint, it most often impacts those we use the most: the hands, knees, hips, and spine. Recognizing the symptoms early on can help you manage the condition more effectively. Let's dive into the common signs of osteoarthritis so you know what to watch out for.

Pain

One of the main symptoms of osteoarthritis is joint pain, which can show up in different ways. At first, you might feel a dull ache or discomfort in the affected joints, especially after activity or at the end of the day. Since osteoarthritis is a wear-and-tear condition, the pain often gets worse over time. Eventually, the discomfort may become more constant and severe, possibly interfering with your daily activities and reducing your quality of life. However, this progression varies from person to person and can take years or even decades.

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Stiffness and Reduced Flexibility

Another common sign is stiffness in your joints, particularly noticeable when you wake up in the morning or after sitting for a while. This stiffness can make it hard to move the joint through its full range of motion. In some cases, the joint might feel so rigid that you need to gently stretch or move it to get going. As osteoarthritis advances, this stiffness can become more pronounced, leading to significant limitations in mobility and making everyday tasks more challenging.

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Swelling and Tenderness

Osteoarthritis can also cause swelling and tenderness around the affected joints. Inflammation in the area may lead to noticeable puffiness, which can increase discomfort and limit movement. For example, if your hands or fingers are involved, gripping objects or using tools might become painful. Simple activities like opening jars or typing can be tough. Sometimes, wrapping handles with soft material or using specially designed tools can help ease some of the strain.

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Grating Sensation (Crepitus)

As the condition progresses, you might experience a grating or grinding feeling when you move the affected joint. This is often accompanied by unusual sounds like crackling or popping. Known as crepitus, this happens because the cartilage has worn down so much that the bones in the joint are rubbing directly against each other. Small bone fragments or irregular surfaces can also contribute to these sensations. While it might feel unsettling, it's a common symptom in the later stages of osteoarthritis.

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Higher Risk of Fractures

People with osteoarthritis may have an increased risk of fractures. This is due to a mix of factors, including reduced bone density, decreased mobility, and age-related changes. Those with osteoarthritis tend to experience more falls—about 30% more—and are 20% more likely to break a bone during these falls compared to people without the condition. Some medications used to treat osteoarthritis can affect balance or cause dizziness, which might increase the risk of falling.

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Spinal Problems

When osteoarthritis affects the spine, it can cause specific symptoms that may be serious even early on. You might notice tingling sensations, numbness, or weakness in your arms or legs. This happens because the changes in your spine put pressure on the nerves as they exit the spinal column. In more severe cases, this pressure can lead to loss of bladder or bowel control, or trouble performing certain movements with your hips, legs, or feet. If you experience these symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention promptly.

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Bone Spurs (Osteophytes)

As joints deteriorate, they may develop bone spurs, also known as osteophytes. These are smooth, bony growths that form along the edges of bones. Bone spurs are a hallmark of osteoarthritis and result from the body's attempt to repair damaged cartilage. While they might not cause symptoms at first, larger bone spurs can interfere with joint movement, cause pain, and press on nearby nerves. This can further limit your mobility and increase discomfort.

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Heberden's and Bouchard's Nodes

In the fingers, osteoarthritis can lead to specific types of bony bumps called Heberden's nodes and Bouchard's nodes. Heberden's nodes develop on the joints closest to your fingertips, while Bouchard's nodes appear on the middle joints of your fingers. As these nodes form, you might notice swelling, stiffness, and reduced finger movement. Although the pain may lessen as the nodes mature, they can significantly impact hand function, making tasks like buttoning a shirt or writing more difficult.

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Bunions

When osteoarthritis affects your feet, it can contribute to the development of bunions. As the joints in your toes wear down, inflammation and bone growth can cause your big toe to lean toward the other toes. This misalignment creates a bony bump on the side of your foot, known as a bunion. Bunions can be painful and make walking or wearing certain shoes uncomfortable. They may also cause your toes to crowd together, further affecting balance and movement.

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Changes in Weight and Muscle Mass

As osteoarthritis progresses and your mobility decreases, you might notice changes in your weight and muscle strength. Reduced physical activity can lead to muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass, especially if you were previously active. Some people may lose weight because they have less appetite or find it difficult to prepare meals. Others might gain weight due to decreased activity levels. Maintaining a healthy weight is important, as extra pounds can put additional stress on weight-bearing joints like your knees and hips.

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Joint Deformity

In advanced stages, osteoarthritis can cause joints to become deformed. The ongoing wear and tear, combined with the body's attempts to repair the damage, can change the shape of the joint. This may result in joints appearing larger or misshapen. Joint deformities can further limit movement and increase pain, making daily activities more challenging. Examples include the "hitchhiker's thumb," where the base of the thumb bends into a Z-shape, or fingers bending away from the thumb in a condition called ulnar drift.

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