Four Signs That You Might Have Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis that affects individuals over the age of 50. As a degenerative condition, it occurs as cartilage in the joints brea
Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis that affects individuals over the age of 50. As a degenerative condition, it occurs as cartilage in the joints breaks down. This makes it very painful because cartilage serves as a cushion between bones. When cartilage deteriorates, the bones rub and grind together. The sooner osteoarthritis is detected, the better chance a patient has to manage it. So, read on as we at Vascular & Interventional Specialists explain four signs you may have osteoarthritis, then contact us for an appointment.
Joint Pain and Discomfort
Pain and discomfort in the joints that grows increasingly worse over time is a telltale sign of osteoarthritis. It may be especially painful in areas vulnerable to overuse, such as the knees, hands, or spine. On the other hand, this condition can also flare up after periods of inactivity, such as when waking up or standing after sitting all day.
Limited Range of Motion
Because osteoarthritis is such a painful condition, it can lead to a limited range of motion. In some cases, the discomfort can be so unbearable that it leads to stiffness, making it difficult to manage day-to-day responsibilities.
Joint Tenderness and Swelling
Another common sign of osteoarthritis is tenderness and swelling in the affected joint. Tenderness is often the first sign to appear, making even the slightest touch feel uncomfortable. As the condition worsens, swelling tends to accompany the tenderness, indicating that the joint is inflamed.
Audible Joint Sounds
When cartilage wears down and bones rub together, a popping or clicking sound can sometimes be heard from the affected joint. The thinner the layer of cartilage becomes, the louder those noises grow, meaning they worsen as osteoarthritis progresses. If nothing is done to treat this problem, the bones can become damaged from grinding together.
If you are exhibiting any of these four signs of osteoarthritis, turn to Vascular & Interventional Specialists. With clinic locations throughout Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota, we make it easy to access the personalized care you deserve.