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Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

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Symptoms of osteoarthritis include the following:

  • Pain in the joint
    • Most commonly affected joints are those of the knee, hip, hand, or spine
    • Pain usually increases when the joint is used or stressed
    • Pain is usually decreased by resting the joint
    • May be described as a dull, achy pain or a sharper, stabbing sensation
  • Stiffness
    • Stiffness can make everyday activities difficult, such as leaning down to pick something up, putting on shoes, opening a jar, walking, or climbing stairs.
    • Stiffness occurs first thing in the morning is common, usually lasting under 30 minutes after you resume activity.
    • Stiffness after any period of inactivity is common (such as after sitting still for a couple of hours in a movie theater or on an airplane).
    • Stiffness decreases your range of motion, so that you can’t bend or unbend a joint as far as you normally could.
  • You may have a feeling of instability in the joint. For example, your knee may feel as if it is going to buckle underneath you.
  • You may feel or hear a grating or creaking sound when you bend or unbend your joint.
  • Your joint may develop an abnormal appearance:
    • It may appear inflamed, red, swollen.
    • It may appear misaligned or misshapen.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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References

  • Arthritis Foundation website. Available at: http://www.arthritis.org/ .

  • Cecil Textbook of Medicine . 21st ed. W.B. Saunders Company; 2000.

  • National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/ .

  • Manek NJ, Lane NE. Osteoarthritis: current concepts in diagnosis and management. American Family Physician . 2000;51(6). Available at: http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000315/1795.html.