As many as 21 million people in the United States have osteoarthritis. Some people may even be without symptoms. However, changes in the cartilage and bone can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, and limitations in mobility. At Comprehensive Arthritis Care in Hendersonville, Tennessee, Board-Certified Rheumatologist Dr. Mohammad F. Ali, MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating osteoarthritis. To learn more about osteoarthritis, call the office to schedule your consultation or use the online booking feature, which is fast and easy.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It relates to the changes in cartilage and bone. These changes can lead to stiffness, swelling, pain, and limitations in mobility.
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint but most commonly occurs in the knees, hips, lower back, and neck. Sometimes, small joints of the fingers, the base of the thumb, and the big toe can be affected.
Osteoarthritis symptoms usually develop slowly and may worsen over time. Symptoms and signs include:
Bone spurs, which are extra bits of bone that feel like hard lumps, can also form around the affected joint.
Your risk of osteoarthritis can also increase with age. Additional risk factors include:
Carrying extra body weight contributes to osteoarthritis in numerous ways, and the more weight you carry, the greater your risk. Increased weight adds stress to the weight-bearing joints, such as your knees and hips. Also, excess fat tissue produces proteins that can cause harmful inflammation in and around joints.
Injuries, such as those that occur from an accident or when playing sports, can increase your risk of osteoarthritis. Even injuries that occurred many years ago and seemingly healed can increase your risk.
If a sport you play or your job places repetitive stress on a joint, the joint might be at risk for developing osteoarthritis.
Some people inherit a tendency to develop osteoarthritis. Women are also more likely to develop osteoarthritis, although it isn't clear why.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that worsens over time, often resulting in chronic pain. Stiffness and joint pain can become severe enough to make daily tasks difficult and cause sleeping difficulties.
If you have stiffness or joint pain that doesn't go away, schedule a consultation at Comprehensive Arthritis Care. You can also make an appointment today using the online booking feature, which is fast and easy.