Symptoms of Arthrosis
The main symptoms of arthrosis are pain and stiffness in the joints, which can make it difficult to move the affected joints and perform certain activities. Symptoms may come and go in episodes, which may be related to activity levels and even the weather. In more severe cases, the symptoms can be continuous. Other symptoms patients may notice include:
- joint tenderness,
- increased pain and stiffness when they have not moved their joints for a while,
- joints appearing slightly larger or “knobbier” than usual,
- a grating or crackling sound or sensation in the joints,
- a limited range of movement in the joints,
- weakness and muscle wasting (loss of muscle bulk).
Arthrosis can affect any joint in the body, but the knees, hips and small joints of the hands are most affected. Symptoms often occur in only one or a few joints at a time.
Arthrosis of the Knee
Arthrosis in knees usually affects both knees over time, unless there is an injury or other condition that affects only one knee. The knees may be most painful when walking, especially uphill or downhill, or climbing stairs. Sometimes knees may „give away” beneath or patients may have a hard time straightening their legs. Patients may also hear a soft, grating sound when they move the affected joint.
Arthrosis of the Hip
Arthrosis in hips often causes difficulty moving the hip joints. For example, patient may have a hard time putting on his shoes and socks or getting in and out of a car. Patient may also usually have pain in the groin or outside the hip. These are often worse when patients move their hip joints, but they can also occur when they are resting or sleeping.
Arthrosis of the Hand
Arthrosis often affects three main areas of the hand:
- the base of the thumb,
- the joints near the fingertips,
- the middle joints of the fingers.
The fingers may be stiff, painful, and swollen, and bumps may form on the finger joints. Over time, the pain may decrease and eventually disappear completely, although the bumps and swelling may remain.
The fingers may bend slightly to the side at the affected joints, or painful cysts (fluid-filled nodules) may form on the backs of the fingers.
In some cases, a bump may also develop at the base of the thumb where it connects to the wrist. This can be painful, and patients may find it difficult to perform certain manual activities such as writing, opening jars or turning keys.