Osteoarthritis, also known as wear and tear arthritis, is a disease that involves the wear and tear of the natural cushioning lining the knees. It has been linked to old age by many medical professionals but as time passes, more and more young people are suffering from the disease than we would like to admit. It is approximated that at least 27 million Americans have osteoarthritis. That's approximately one in every ten Americans. Could you be one of them? Read the symptoms below and find out.
1. Gradual increase in knee pain
Arthritis pain in the knees occurs slowly and gradually. Your knees hurt when you climb stairs, stand up or when you kneel, when you go for a walk or even in severe cases when you sit down. Knee pain that can cause sleepless nights is a symptom of arthritis.
2. Buckling and Locking
Osteoarthritis causes a weakening of the muscles in the knee. Over time, the entire structure of the knee becomes unstable. This weakness may cause the knee to buckle. The knee may lock up or fail to straighten. These symptoms may come and go.
3. Cracking sounds
Every athlete has experienced his once; the grinding sensation in your knee. The grind may be heard as cracking and popping noises. The grinding is caused by the loss of smooth cartilage that helps smoothen the range of motion.
4. Swelling and tenderness
Periodic inflammation of the knee may occur. This occurs because of the formation of bone spurs, also called osteophytes. The swelling will become more pronounced with time. The skin of the knee may become red or feel warm. The knee does not even get better with anti-inflammatory drugs.
5. Deformed knees
As arthritis progresses, you notice changes in the shape and structure of the knee. The muscles surrounding the knees ay weaken and sink, causing deformities. Your knees may point to each other or bend outward. All are symptoms of osteoarthritis.
