What Is Osteoarthritis?
4. Signs and Symptoms
The main symptoms in osteoarthritis include pain, stiffness, and loss of ability to move. The pain in osteoarthritis is often worsened by long durations of activity and relieved when at rest; however, too much rest can cause pain as well. In the mornings after waking up, stiffness is often worst but gradually resolves after beginning activities.
Movement of the affected joint may also produce a crackling sound known as crepitus. Patients may also complain of joint instability and joint locking. Some patients may experience aggravation of symptoms with high humidity, cold temperature, or drop in barometric pressure. Although it can affect any joint, it most commonly affects weight bearing joints, hands, feet, and spine. Osteoarthritis in smaller joints may result in hard bony enlargements known as Bouchard’s nodes or Heberden’s nodes.
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