What Are Some Signs You Might Have Osteoarthritis?

Arthritis symptoms should never be ignored. If left untreated, the condition can become worse, leading to unbearable pain and a complete loss of function of the bones. By knowing the early signs of arthritis, one can get prompt medical attention and treat the condition at a much lower price. The problem is that there are various types of arthritis, so recognizing which one you have can be difficult without a doctor. 

If you suspect you have arthritis, you should book an appointment with a lafayette osteoarthritis doctor today. The sooner you know the nature of the problem, the quicker you can fix it. There are certain classic signs of arthritis, such as stiffness and pain, but some are more subtle. Look out for the following warning signs. 

Common early signs of osteoarthritis

• Joint pain. 

While joint pain is not always a sign of osteoarthritis, it is a common symptom. The details of your pain matter, such as how long it has persisted, whether the pain developed suddenly or gradually, etc. Your healthcare provider may also ask you if your pain worsens with physical activity or goes away when you are resting. People with arthritis experience morning stiffness which goes away once they start working, doing chores, or doing other physical activity. 

• Joint swelling and tenderness. 

When left untreated, your osteoarthritis can get worse and begin to cause swelling and tenderness in the joints. Your joints may hurt when you press down on them. 

• Reduced flexibility. 

Joints affected by osteoarthritis experience a lack of range of motion in the joints and pain when moving. Osteoarthritis in the legs makes it difficult to bend your legs, and in the hips, it becomes challenging to bend over. Walking, stair climbing, and other daily life activities can become impossible due to the lack of flexibility and excruciating pain. 

• Joint redness. 

Swelling and redness are your body’s way of telling you that the area is experiencing an inflammatory process of some sort. Your healthcare provider can run a number of tests to determine the underlying cause of the joint inflammation. While it is a symptom of arthritis, it can also be an infection. 

• Groin pain. 

Many people experience pain and tenderness in their hips, but sometimes the pain can radiate towards the groin. Hip arthritis can cause pain in your buttocks and thighs as well. 

These are some of the many warning signs of osteoarthritis. The condition can make it extremely difficult for you to complete your daily chores. Consult with a bone doctor today.