What is Osteoarthritis and what are the Symptoms?

Osteoarthritis is a shockingly common degenerative joint disease, and once it starts developing in the joints it becomes a chronic painful, debilitating disturbance.

It's estimated that 90% of the United States' population will experience warning signs of Osteoarthritis by the time they're 40. And by the time they're 60, 50% of them will have the disease.

How severe the condition becomes varies widely from person to person but two of the leading indicators of whether you'll experience this condition are obesity - which puts stress on the joints - and a family history of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis effects both males and females. It can strike at any age, often effecting the weight bearing joints. Hips and knees, the spine, elbows, ankles, shoulders, toes, fingers and wrists are all common targets.

Your joints have a protective layer between the bones called cartilage. This cartilage is vital. It absorbs stress applied to the joint and protects the bones from damage. Osteoarthritis occurs when this cartilage deteriorates through injury, poor diet or "wear and tear".

The bones that make up the joints rub together causing pain and a build up of bony cysts and fluid-filled pockets in the bone marrow, called subchondral cysts, may also develop. This disease can cause constant pain and reduced mobility.

Common Symptoms

Joint Pain and Stiffness: While most people experience occasional joint pain and stiffness, particularly in the morning, if these symptoms persist for two weeks or more, then they may be a warning sign of arthritis. Even if the symptoms don't last for that length of time, if they reoccur regularly then osteoarthritis may be developing.

Swollen joints.

Grating, popping or grinding sounds in a joint.

Burning, aching or a warm sensation in one or more joints.

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