Osteoarthritis may be caused by wear and tear on the cartilage of the joints. Cartilage may act as a cushion for joints, and when this cushion is worn down, the bones may rub together, making movement painful. Why this breakdown of cartilage happens may not be fully understood. Aging, injury to the joint or genetics may be contributors to developing osteoarthritis.

People suffering from osteoarthritis may experience pain in the joints, characterized by a burning, sharp or aching pain. Pain when sleeping or constant pain may indicate that the condition is worsening. People with osteoarthritis may also feel stiffness in the joints, especially upon waking. Joints may feel stiff until the person gets moving. Stiffness may also result from sitting.

Muscles around the joints may become weaker as a result of the condition. This may be most common when arthritis is present in the knee. Other symptoms of osteoarthritis may include swelling in the joints, deformations of the joints, and a cracking or creaking sound in the joints.

In diagnosing the condition, a health care professional may ask the patient questions regarding any pain, stiffness or swelling in the joints. The doctor may also take an X-ray to detect any joint damage and take a blood test to make sure that the pain is not caused by another disease or condition.

Treating osteoarthritis may be done with the help of pain medications. Icing or heating painful joints may help to relieve the pain as well. Losing weight if needed, exercising and working with a physical therapist may also be recommended by a health care professional. Surgery may be required in some cases.

   Collapse Article