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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Illustration showing osteoarthritis of the spine Osteoarthritis of the spine
Illustration showing osteoarthritis of the hip Osteoarthritis of the hip

Osteoarthritis symptoms often develop slowly and worsen over time. Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

  • Pain. Your joint may hurt during or after movement.
  • Tenderness. Your joint may feel tender when you apply light pressure to it.
  • Stiffness. Joint stiffness may be most noticeable when you wake up in the morning or after a period of inactivity.
  • Loss of flexibility. You may not be able to move your joint through its full range of motion.
  • Grating sensation. You may hear or feel a grating sensation when you use the joint.
  • Bone spurs. These extra bits of bone, which feel like hard lumps, may form around the affected joint.

When to see a doctor
If you have swelling or stiffness in your joints that lasts for more than two weeks, make an appointment with your doctor. If you're already taking medication for osteoarthritis, contact your doctor if you experience side effects such as:

  • Nausea
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Black or tarry stools
  • Constipation
  • Drowsiness
Causes Definition
References
  1. Handout on health: Osteoarthritis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Osteoarthritis/default.asp. Accessed July 22, 2009.
  2. Mercier LR. Osteoarthritis. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/152079048-3/0/1701/412.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-04134-8..50018-5--subchapter11_8824. Accessed July 22, 2009.
  3. Osteoarthritis. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00227. Accessed July 22, 2009.
  4. Lane NE, et al. Osteoarthritis. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/152079048-3/0/1492/1009.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50288-3_12790. Accessed July 22, 2009.
  5. Kalunian KC. Risk factors for and possible causes of osteoarthritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 31, 2009.
  6. Kalunian KC. Diagnosis and classification of osteoarthritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 31, 2009.
  7. Ehrlich GE. Osteoarthritis. In: Rakel RE, et al. Conn's Current Therapy 2008. 60th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/152079048-4/869009174/1621/497.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4435-2..50250-8_3948. Accessed July 22, 2009.
  8. Solomon DH. NSAIDs: Overview of adverse effects. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 10, 2009.
  9. Arthritis Foundation life improvement series programs. Arthritis Foundation. http://www.arthritis.org/programs.php. Accessed July 31, 2009.
  10. Hunder GG. Mayo Clinic Straight Talk on Arthritis. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2006:230.
  11. Nutrition and dietary supplements. In: Firestein GS. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/153389597-3/872979471/1807/236.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3285-4..10034-8--s0250_930. Accessed Aug. 10, 2009.
  12. Ginger. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed July 31, 2009.
  13. Chondroitin sulfate. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed July 31, 2009.
  14. Avocado. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed July 31, 2009.

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Oct. 13, 2009

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