What are the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis Signs and Symptoms

There’s a saying that the only things all people can expect are death and taxes. However, there’s another thing almost everyone can expect: osteoarthritis. 

This type of arthritis develops naturally as the body ages, and that’s why it’s often known as wear-and-tear arthritis. Osteoarthritis is also very common. Medical researchers report that more than 54 million Americans have some form of arthritis. Physical therapists can help you determine if the signs and symptoms you’re dealing with come from osteoarthritis. 

Top seven signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis

The signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, or any issue, can differ slightly from person to person. Physical therapists are experienced with how this condition can affect the body, and they can help you ensure you do have osteoarthritis before you begin treating it. The top seven signs and symptoms that your therapist will be looking for include: 

  1. Joint pain — Pain often occurs during or after physical activity. It might also be at its worst when you first get up in the morning. 
  1. Swelling — This symptom often occurs in the soft tissue surrounding the affected joint(s). 
  1. Stiffness — Not moving for a while might cause the joint to feel stiff. This is another symptom that’s often worse upon awakening. 
  1. Tenderness — Applying even light pressure near the joint might result in tenderness. 
  1. Bone spurs — You might feel hard lumps of extra bone that have formed around the joint. These are bone spurs. 
  1. Decreased flexibility — How far you can move the joint, or its range of motion (ROM), is often decreased. 
  1. Odd sensations or noises in the joint — The wearing away of joint cartilage may lead to a grating sensation when the joint is moved. You might also hear crackling or popping sounds. 

 

Want to confirm if your signs and symptoms are coming from osteoarthritis? SSOR can help

Are you still uncertain that your signs and symptoms are being caused by osteoarthritis? Our physical therapists at SSOR can help you learn for sure. We offer complimentary screenings that can confirm or rule out osteoarthritis. Our team also excels at building personalized therapy plans designed to treat osteoarthritis symptoms. 

Want to stay home for treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic? No problem. SSOR is currently offering virtual care and at-home therapy appointments, and both of these options allow you to get the therapy you need without leaving home. Additionally, all our services can be used without first getting a referral from your doctor. 

Don’t wait to start getting our help with your osteoarthritis. Contact us today for more information or to schedule your initial appointment.