How Do You Know If You Have Osteoarthritis?

Cartilage: the Key to Healthy Joints Cartilage is 65 to 80 percent water. Three other substances make up the rest of cartilage tissue: collagen, proteoglycans, and chondrocytes. Collagen (KAHL-uh-jen). A fibrous protein. Collagen is also the building block of skin, tendon, bone, and other connective tissues. Proteoglycans (PRO-tee-uh-GLY-kanz). A combination of proteins and sugars. Strands of proteoglycans and collagen weave together and form a mesh-like tissue. This allows cartilage to flex and absorb physical shock. Chondrocytes (KAHN-druh-sytz). Cells that grow all through the cartilage. They mainly help cartilage stay healthy and grow. Sometimes, however, they release substances called enzymes that destroy collagen and other proteins. Researchers are trying to learn more about chondrocytes.

Hands: Osteoarthritis of the fingers is the one type of the disease that seems to be hereditary; that is, it runs in families. More women than men have it, especially after menopause. Small, bony knobs appear on the end joints of the fingers. They are called Heberden's nodes. Similar knobs (called Bouchard's [boo-SHARDZ] nodes) can appear on the middle joints of the fingers. Fingers can become enlarged and gnarled, and may ache or be stiff and numb. The base of the thumb joint is also commonly affected by osteoarthritis. This kind of osteoarthritis can be helped by medications, splints, or heat treatment.

Knees: The knees are the body's primary weight-bearing joints. For this reason, they are among the joints most commonly affected by osteoarthritis. They may be stiff, swollen, and painful, making it hard to walk, climb, get in and out of chairs, and use bathtubs. If not treated, osteoarthritis in the knees can lead to disability. Medications, losing weight, exercise, and walking aids can reduce pain and disability. In severe cases, knee replacement surgery may be helpful.

Hips: Osteoarthritis in the hip can cause pain, stiffness, and severe disability. People may feel the pain in their hips, or in their groin, inner thigh, or knees. Walking aids such as canes or walkers can reduce stress on the hip. Osteoarthritis in the hip may limit moving and bending. This can make daily activities such as dressing and foot care a challenge. Walking aids, medication, and exercise can help relieve pain and improve motion. The doctor may recommend hip replacement if the pain is severe and not helped by other methods.

Spine: Stiffness and pain in the neck or in the lower back can result from osteoarthritis of the spine. Weakness or numbness of the arms or legs can also result. Some people feel better when they sleep on a firm mattress or sit using back support pillows. Others find help from heat treatment or an exercise program to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles. In severe cases, the doctor may suggest surgery to reduce pain and help restore function.

The Warning Signs of Osteoarthritis Steady or intermittent pain in a joint Stiffness after getting out of bed Joint swelling or tenderness in one or more joints A crunching feeling or sound of bone rubbing on bone Hot, red, or tender? Probably not osteoarthritis. Check with your doctor about other causes, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Not always pain. Not everyone with osteoarthritis feels pain. In fact, only a third of people with osteoarthritis in their x rays report pain or other symptoms.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Osteoarthritis?

back to Osteoarthritis: The Fundamentals

Excerpted from Handout on Health: Osteoarthritis, a publication of the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

The NIAMS, a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), leads the Federal medical research effort in arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases. The NIAMS supports research and research training throughout the United States as well as on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland, and disseminates health and research information. The National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NAMSIC) is a public service sponsored by the NIAMS that provides health information and information sources. Additional information and research updates can be found on the NIAMS Web site at http://www.nih.gov/niams/.