What Is Osteoarthritis And What Are Its Symptoms?
Arthritis is what is known as a generic term – it can be used to describe any disease in which the joints become inflamed and there are more than 200 diseases that cause this. More than 8 million people in the UK have got one form of arthritis or another. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, and this affects about one million people. It is rare in people under 40 but becomes more common with age. Many people over 65 have some degree of arthritis. The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain, stiffness and swelling of the joints. This may cause the joint to become really stiff, making movement difficult. The joints may creak and they may also become deformed and misshapen with inflammation – this is particularly common in the joints of the fingers. Very badly affected hands are very deformed and painful, making everyday tasks very difficult.
Related Questions
- Although there are 100 different types of arthritis, the two most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Their symptoms can be quite similar, so how can you tell the difference?
- How Do You Recognize The Signs And Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis?
- What are the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis?
