5 Early signs of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a condition where the cartilage between the bones wears out over time and causes friction between the joints. Mostly affecting weight-bearing joints such as knees, hips and spine, osteoarthritis can cause long-lasting pain and damage if left untreated for long periods of time. In this article, we look at the 5 early signs of osteoarthritis. We also cover the main causes of osteoarthritis and how it affects the body – so that you can make informed decisions about your treatment.

What causes osteoarthritis?

Let’s start by going over some of the main causes of osteoarthritis, to help you get a better understanding of this condition. While many people believe that “wear and tear” is the primary cause of osteoarthritis, there are many things that can lead people to develop this particular joint condition. Here are some of the most common factors that contribute towards osteoarthritis:

●      Age

Age is one of the most commonly known factors of osteoarthritis. As our body ages, our bones and joints get weaker, and our regenerative capabilities start to slow down. The prolonged use of our bones and joints takes its toll on our body over time. The cartilage between our bones also starts to wear, thereby reducing the natural protective layer that cushions our joints.

●      Genetics

You may be surprised to hear, but genetics also play an important role in osteoarthritis. Multiple studies (Genetics in Osteoarthritis by Mercedes Fernández-Moreno et al.) have shown that a family history of joint diseases, or of any abnormalities or deformities developed at birth, can make us more susceptible to osteoarthritis.

●      Injury

Another common cause of osteoarthritis is joint injury. Injuries such as fractures, ligament tears, or even dislocation can increase our chance of developing osteoarthritis in that specific joint.

●      Weight gain

Conditions such as obesity are also a leading cause of osteoarthritis. The increased weight puts additional pressure on our body’s joints which can lead to faster wear and tear of the cartilage over time. This mostly commonly affects our knees and hips, both of which are weight bearing joints.

As you can see, there are many potential causes of osteoarthritis from genetic disposition, to serious injury. So, now the next question is: How can you detect osteoarthritis in its early stages?

Detecting osteoarthritis early: The symptoms

For those worried about the above mentioned causes and the condition itself, fret not. Here are a few symptoms that you can look out for to help detect the presence of osteoarthritis early on:

1.    Problems moving the joint freely

If you’re finding it hard to move your joints freely and struggling to complete tasks that require mobility, then it’s possible that you might have osteoarthritis. If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen over time, leading to restricted mobility and additional joint problems.

2.    Stiffness in the joint area

Are you experiencing any stiffness in your joints? Do you need a few minutes to adjust, especially in the mornings after waking up, or during the day after long periods of sitting? Joint stiffness is often an early symptom of osteoarthritis.

3.    Swelling or tenderness (around the joints)

Sometimes, even when you feel like you’ve got a good range of motion, you can still have some swelling around the joint. This may cause discomfort and can further lead to long-lasting pain. Additionally, if you feel any tenderness when applying pressure on the joints, then it’s possible that you may have osteoarthritis.

4.    Feelings of grinding or popping sounds in the joint

If you experience any grinding or popping sounds when moving your joints – then that can sometimes be a sign of cartilage wear and tear. While this popping sound can happen for any number of reasons, if it’s happening frequently over a long period of time, then it could be a sign of osteoarthritis.

5.    Long lasting pain after strenuous activity or prolonged usage

While some people often experience pain after a strenuous bout of exercise, or even after a hectic day at work, the pain should be temporary. If the pain lasts for unusually long periods of time, then you may be developing osteoarthritis. Furthermore, if you feel like your joints (particularly your weight-bearing ones like knees and hips) are “giving way” or are unstable, then that could also be a sign of serious cartilage wear.

There are also several other signs of osteoarthritis, but these are the early symptoms that you’re most likely to notice. If you or your loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms – then it might be time to talk to a rheumatologist about what you’re going through.

How can a rheumatologist help with arthritis?

If your joint pain is causing issues with your daily routine, then a rheumatologist may be able to help. An experienced private rheumatologist will not only help you alleviate your symptoms, but can also provide long-term treatment options for your joints. By the nature of their profession, they are experts in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal diseases such as arthritis, and can offer you the help you need to start feeling better.

A typical consultation with a rheumatologist will start with an assessment of your health condition, based on the information you provide. They may ask you a few questions to help get a better understanding of the problems you’re facing, and the symptoms that are causing the most discomfort. This is usually followed by further examination – including scans such as X-rays and MRIs – which enable them to put together an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan. This treatment plan could include medication (NSAIDs), physiotherapy, surgery or supplementation, all of which are common and effective treatment options for osteoarthritis – depending on your condition.

However, an experienced rheumatologist in most cases also goes a step further and work with you to suggest achievable long-term solutions, in addition to the above treatments, so you can address the underlying causes of your symptoms and benefit from long-lasting pain relief. For example, they may suggest lifestyle changes, exercise routines, or weight loss in addition to your normal treatment options – so you can enjoy an overall better quality of life.

Should you be concerned about osteoarthritis?

We believe that by now you will have a much better understanding of osteoarthritis and how it can impact the quality of your life. While knowing about the symptoms is helpful, it’s important to know the right time to ask for help. Talking to a rheumatologist is really important. Early diagnosis will not only ensure effective treatment, but also improve your recovery time, and give you a better chance of managing your symptoms. Remember, a good rheumatologist can help ensure the right diagnoses and offer preventive treatment options for long-lasting health.