Signs of Osteoarthritis

 

Signs of Osteoarthritis 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 58.5 million people in the U.S. have osteoarthritis -- a form of arthritis caused by wear and tear.

Because of how common this variety of arthritis is, Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness, serving Nitro, WV, and the nearby region, would like you to know the signs of look out for. So, which signs are most common?

Pain 

Pain is one of the most well-known signs of osteoarthritis. It occurs when you lose the cartilage at the end of the bone, which, as a result, leads to pain and discomfort. 

The joint pain you feel from this form of arthritis happens most often during or immediately following use. The pain will lessen as you rest, whether overnight while you sleep or as you stop using the joint in general. 

During your appointment at our office in Nitro, WV, our practitioner will ask you to gauge your pain on a scale of one to 10 and want to know when the pain occurs most often. 

Stiffness

Stiffness can occur with osteoarthritis, particularly as you sit or lay for prolonged periods. The stiffness you experience tends to decrease once you start to move the joint. 

Noticeable Swelling 

Swelling is your body's natural defense against damage. It occurs when your immune system sends white blood cells to combat the issue. When you have osteoarthritis, the joint may become swollen because your body is trying to heal the problem. Swelling, however, can intensify the pain. 

Loss of Range of Motion 

Osteoarthritis is one form of arthritis that can limit your range of motion. For instance, if it affects your shoulder, you may no longer be able to raise your arms straight up in the air. On the other hand, if it affects your knee joints, it could hinder your ability to walk. 

Grating Sensation 

With this condition, you might feel a grating sensation or hear snapping or crackling when you move the affected joint. While this can occur from bubbles in the synovial fluid, it can also stem from severe damage to the cartilage at the end of the bones. As a result, your bones may rub against one another because they no longer have that cushioning. 

Tenderness

Another symptom is tenderness to the touch. When you place pressure on the joint, it may feel tender. 

Pain, tenderness, and stiffness are all possible with osteoarthritis. Therefore, when you visit Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness, serving Nitro, WV, and the neighboring communities, these will be the signs he's looking for specifically. 

Book an appointment with us today by calling 304-776-1520.