When people hear the term “arthritis,” they typically think of osteoarthritis (OA)—likely because it’s the most common form of arthritis, affecting 80% of U.S. adults over the age of 65. According to Dr. Graham, OA is considered a degenerative disorder caused by trauma or age-related wear and tear on joints over time. “OA is most likely to affect weight-bearing joints, such as the knee, hip, lower spine or big toe, but it can also cause pain and stiffness in the thumb or finger joints.”
Osteoarthritis can affect anyone at any age, but it most commonly appears in older adults. This particular type of arthritis affects the cartilaginous portion of the bone (the smooth surface at the end of a bone where it articulates with another bone and forms a joint). The degree of degeneration that occurs at a joint depends on many factors, including lifestyle, weight, medical history and activity level. OA affects people’s bodies asymmetrically and usually at specific joints based on a person’s lifestyle, profession, sports activities, hobbies and injuries.
Most notably marked by joint pain, inflammation and swelling, OA can have varying presentations and may even be asymptomatic for some people. People often discover they have arthritis incidentally after their health care provider requests medical imaging for another issue. Unfortunately, the effects of this disease can lead to moderate to severe disability, significantly affecting a person’s life and often incurring high medical costs.
Early Signs And Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Early signs and symptoms of OA can vary, but according to Dr. Graham, the earliest signs usually include joint pain or ache, as well as joint tenderness, swelling or stiffness that feels worse in the morning. Untreated pain or stiffness can lead to a limitation in mobility and overall function. While it’s estimated that 80% of U.S. adults ages 65 and older have radiographic evidence of OA somewhere in their bodies, only 60% of those with OA present with symptoms, according to Creighton University researchers Rouhin Sen and John Hurley.
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