Osteoarthritis (OA) is caused by aging joints, injury, and obesity. OA symptoms include joint pain and stiffness. Treatment depends on the affected joint, including the hand, wrist, neck, back, knee, and hip, and involves medication and exercise. If you are overweight, weight loss may improve OA symptoms.
What Causes Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in your joints gradually deteriorates. Cartilage is a firm, slippery tissue that permits nearly frictionless joint motion.
In osteoarthritis, the slick surface of the cartilage becomes rough. Eventually, if the cartilage wears down completely, you may be left with bone rubbing on bone.
What Are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis symptoms often develop slowly and worsen over time. Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
Pain: Your joint may hurt during or after movement.
Tenderness: Your joint may feel tender when you apply light pressure to it.
Stiffness: Joint stiffness may be most noticeable when you wake up in the morning or after a period of inactivity.
Loss of flexibility: You may not be able to move your joint through its full range of motion.
Grating sensation: You may hear or feel a grating sensation when you use the joint.
Bone spurs: These extra bits of bone, which feel like hard lumps, may form around the affected joint.
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