What are the early signs of osteoarthritis?

Answer 1

What is Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most wide spread types of Arthritis and is found most often to stast developing after the age of 45. I may also form as the result of a jury to a joint. Men and women are affected equally by this condition.AO causes the breakdown of the cartilage between the joints. Cartilage is the material that covers the end of the bone at the joints to ensure smooth and effortless movement. In OA, this cartilage breaks down.OA usually occurs in the fingers and weight-bearing joints; these include, knees, feet, hips and back.

Osteoarthritis is the result of changes in the cells of the cartilage resulting in a loss of elasticity. Over time this causes the cartilage to thin out and in some situation breakdown all together. This leaves the ends of the bone without its smooth covering, and the joint loses its easy mobility..

OA progresses slowly. For many people the symptoms will be mild and have little impact. OA rarely causes severe disability, but when it does surgery to replace joints is often highly effective.

Symptoms of OA vary. Most individuals remain essentially free of symptoms until the cartilage ceases to function properly. After that they may include, Pain, Swelling, and stiffness in the affected joint or joints.

To diagnose RA Your doctor will first assess your situation by checking the affected joints for outward signs of inflammation heat etc. then if he deems it necessary may order tests such as X-ray and blood tests joint fluid tests to exclude the possibility of other types of arthritis.The management of this condition depends on the joints affected and the physique of the patient. And includes, Exercise, Education, Medication, Joint protection, and Healthy weight maintenance

Answer also: "Osteoarthritis", states the Western Journal of Medicine, "is in many ways like the weather, ubiquitous, often unnoticed, sometimes dramatic in its effects. OA concentrates its erosive influence in one or just a few joints. As cartilage is slowly eroded, bone begins to grinding against bone. This is accompanied by an outgrowths caused osteophytes. Cysts may form, and the underlying bone thickens and become deformed. Other symptoms include knobby knuckles, grating and grinding sounds that emanate from arthritic joints, and muscle spasms, along with pain, stiffness and loss of mobility. The American Journal of Medicine states: There is no evidence that a normal joint, subject to common stresses, will break down over the life of a person. Efforts to understand the exact cause of OA are "plagued by controversy" according to the British magazine The Lancet.

Some investigators propose that damage to a bone, such as micro-fractures may occur first. This, in turn may trigger bony outgrowths and cartilage deterioration. Others think that OA starts in the cartilage itself. As it degenerates and frays, they reason, stress increases on the underlying bone. Pathological changes occur as the body attempts to repair the damaged cartilage. While age doe not cause OA, the loss of joint cartilage experienced more frequently with increasing age. Other risks may include those who have an abnormality in the way their joint surfaces fit together or who have weak leg and thigh muscles, legs of unequal length, or a misalignment of the spine. Trauma to a joint caused by an accident or by an occupation in which repetitive motions overuse a joint can also set the stage for osteoarthritis. Once deterioration begins, being overweight can exacerbate OA.

Answer 2

sour and stiff joints, deformaity in hands and joints.

Answer 3

Mild Aches and soreness in a joint!

Answer 4

Bid