Why Osteoarthritis Causes Pain in the Joints

Osteoarthritis Explained
Most common symptom of osteoarthritis is pain in the affected joint(s) after repetitive use. Osteoarthritis affects over 21 million people in the US. The result can be swelling, warmth, and creaking of the affected joints.

What is Osteoarthritis exactly?
Osteoarthritis is caused by abnormal wearing and eventual breakdown of the cartilage. Cartilage is a protein substance that covers and acts as a "cushion" between the bones of the joints.

It's also caused by the destruction or decrease of synovial fluid that lubricates those joints. The result is pain in the joints.

Osteoarthritis also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease. As the bone surfaces become less well protected by cartilage, the patient experiences pain upon weight bearing, walking and standing. This pain causes decreasing movement or exercise of the patients, therefore regional muscles may atrophy and ligaments may become more lax.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Over 21 million people in the United States have Osteoarthritis

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
The main symptom of osteoarthritis is chronic pain. The pain is generally experienced as a sharp ache, or a burning sensation in the associated muscles and tendons. The result of this pain is loss of mobility and often stiffness. Osteoarthritis can cause a crackling noise (called "crepitus") when the affected joint is moved or touched, and patients may experience muscle spasm and contractions in the tendons.

Occasionally, the joints may also be filled with fluid. Humid weather increases the pain in many osteoarthritis patients. Osteoarthritis often affects the hands, feet, spine, and the large weight bearing joints, such as the hips and knees.

As osteoarthritis increases, the affected joints appear larger, are more stiff and painful, and usually feel worse.