Osteoarthritis - What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of osteoarthritis come on gradually, sometimes over many years.

Once a joint that has osteoarthritis causes symptoms, it means it can't do its job properly. It can no longer move smoothly without feeling stiff or causing pain.

Pain

You may have pain most days. It may hurt just when you use the joint that is affected or it may be with you all the time. It may be mild or it may be severe. The pain can be burning, aching or sharp. People with osteoarthritis sometimes say their joints hurt and they want to rub them to make them feel better. Osteoarthritis can get better as well as worse, and you may find that your pain improves with time.[1]

Pain has a psychological as well as a physical side, and if you feel more in control of your condition, then you are likely to cope better with the pain. People who manage to exercise and see their friends and family tend to feel less pain than people who are inactive and feel socially isolated.

If your arthritis does get worse, it may keep you awake at night. Night pain indicates more severe osteoarthritis.[2]

Stiffness

Stiffness is a common symptom of osteoarthritis. Typically you feel stiff first thing in the morning and it eases as you begin to move about, usually within 30 minutes. You may also feel stiff if you are sitting still in one position.

Problems moving

If you have osteoarthritis, you may find you have problems doing everyday things like climbing stairs, reaching high shelves, combing your hair or tying your shoelaces. Unlike having stiffness, when you have difficulty in moving, it doesn't wear off. You may find you can't get your joint to move like it used to and that you become less mobile.

Swelling

Your joint may look and feel swollen.

A crunching feeling in a joint

Doctors call this crepitus. It's the unpleasant feeling of the bones crunching together. It can sometimes hurt.

Knobbly joints

Your knee or fingers may feel and look knobbly.

Muscle weakness

The muscles around the affected joint may become weak, particularly in osteoarthritis of the knee. This problem is especially likely in women.

Unstable joints

If you have osteoarthritis of the knee, you may feel as though your knee is unstable, as though it might give way at any time. This can make going down stairs difficult.

References

Insall JN, Dorr LD, Scott RD, et al. Rationale of the Knee Society clinical rating system. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 1989; 248: 13-14.
Lozada CJ, Altman RD. Management of osteoarthritis. In: Koopman WJ. 14th edition, volume 2: Arthritis and allied conditions: a textbook of rheumatology. Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, USA; 2001.

This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.