Osteoarthritis (OA) can affect anyone of any race or gender, but not everyone has the same experience of the condition. Symptoms, and their degree of severity, can vary from day to day and from person to person. There are, however, a number of common symptoms associated with OA. Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Joint pain that usually occurs when using the joint or at the end of the day after using the joint
- Stiffness that occurs more frequently first thing in the morning; or stiffness later in the day after sitting for periods of time but which lasts for less than around 30 minutes once you get moving
- Joint noises such as cracking, crunching, grinding sounds when the joint moves
- Swelling, when your joint appears larger and feels warm to touch, can be caused by the inflammation associated with OA leading to joint fluid buildup
- Instability, when the joint may feel weak or likely to give way when you put pressure on it?
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, consult your doctor. It is time check if you have OA.