Osteoarthritis Symptoms and Signs
As previously stated, osteoarthritis is a chronic condition. There is progressive deterioration of articular cartilage, indicating that the symptoms are episodic. Even after a strenuous exercise, the following complaints are commonly heard. However, if you satisfy certain risk factor and cause criteria and the symptoms persist or worsen over time, it is best to consult an orthopedic physician for a proper diagnosis.
Joint ache
Several other diseases of the joints can also produce pain. However, osteoarthritis discomfort can be categorized under distinct headings. In the initial phase of the disease, joint discomfort is caused by excessive use of the affected joint. For instance, high-stress activities such as running or climbing will cause knee or hip joint discomfort. This discomfort is alleviated by providing the joint with relief. At this point, the joints are more achy at the end of the day, having been overworked throughout the day. As the disease progresses, however, the discomfort begins to occur even at rest, and may even occur at night.
Pain is described in a variety of ways, with some patients experiencing a stabbing pain and others a diffuse aching pain.
Multiple hypotheses exist in response to the query of what causes this pain. It was believed that increased bone friction and decreased lubrication could result in pain. Now, however, the more credible theory involves the joint’s abundant sensory nerve endings. A greater number of pain receptors have been identified in the joint. These receptors are more sensitive to the inflammatory cytokines that are emitted by the disease. As the disease progresses, the number of receptors multiplies, causing the pain to aggravate even at rest.
Rigidity of the limbs
Another characteristic symptom of osteoarthritis is joint rigidity. The joint stiffening restricts mobility, and even this is accomplished by overcoming increased resistance.
According to a study (1), the direct effect of synovial fibrosis in osteoarthritis is joint rigidity. Osteoarthritis affects the entire joint capsule, including the cartilage lining the bones, the underlying bone tissue, and the enclosed fluid lined by a fluid-secreting synovial membrane. It was discovered that as the disease progresses, the initial inflammation of the synovium is supplanted by fibrosis. Fibrosis is a physiologically typical aspect of wound healing. In osteoarthritis, however, fibrosis is caused by certain factors, which result in the deposition of additional collagen and the thickening of the synovial sheath.
Overall, the rigidity is a result of disease progression and a sign of osteoarthritis worsening. Especially after periods of inactivity, the joint appears to be ‘closed’. This is why it is typically referred to as “morning stiffness.” Movements across it, such as extension and flexion, become more difficult with time and are frequently accompanied by discomfort.
soreness and swollenness
Pain in the joint may be so severe that it causes tenderness, i.e., it may be excruciating to touch. Joint soreness and edema are possible indicators of inflammation. The inflammation of the synovium that lines the affected joint, known as synovitis, accelerates cartilage degeneration. The presence of specific inflammatory mediators characterizes this inflammation. Some of these mediators are capable of inducing synovial effusion, which can be detected by MRI of the affected joint. As a consequence of the accumulation of fluid, the tissues surrounding the affected joint may swell. The weight-bearing joints, such as the hip, are frequently affected by synovitis and experience edema. In addition to these local inflammatory signs and symptoms, osteoarthritis does not manifest any general or systemic symptoms such as fever or fatigue. Inflammation of the joints is also less severe than in rheumatoid arthritis.
){kind=link}