Do I Have Osteoarthritis?

Do you feel pain in your joints (commonly in your hands, knees and hips) during or after activity or at the end of the day?

Do you have joint stiffness that is most noticeable after waking, resting or inactivity?

Do you feel tenderness in your joint when you press it lightly or when you gently press the area near your joint?

Do you have swelling around the joint?

Do you have reduced function of your joint and you are no longer able to do you daily activities and tasks?

Do you hear crackling sound when a joint bends?

Are your symptoms progressing slowly but getting worse over time?

Do you feel weakness in the muscles around the joint or you have a feeling that the joint “gives out”?

Have you ever injured your joint (no matter how long ago) playing sport or by accident?

Do you repeat the same movement in your joint over and over again while working or playing sports?

Are you overweight?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have osteoarthritis (OA). There can be many reasons for joint pain, so if you feel discomfort or pain in one or more joints that does not go away by itself be sure to make an appointment with your doctor. You should never ignore your symptoms; the sooner you talk to your doctor, the sooner you will be diagnosed and begin treatment.

Based on your answers you may have osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common types of arthritis also called “wear and tear” arthritis. Usually affects the joints of the hands, knees and hips. With OA, the cartilage within a joint will break down, resulting with changes to the bone within a joint. Osteoarthritis (OA) is degenerative condition; the joint changes along with your symptoms that will be worsening over time. You will need to see your rheumatologist and get proper treatment. Osteoarthritis can’t be reversed, but treatment will slow progression of the disease, reduce your pain and help you move better.