Almost 27 million Americans, aged 25 and above, are afflicted with osteoarthritis, according to U.S health statistics. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative type of illness affecting the joints. Pain and stiffness in the joints of neck, fingers, knees, lower back, and hips are the tell-tale signs.
Fallen victim to Stryker hip replacement
Here are the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis to watch out for:
Pain
People with osteoarthritis experience pain in their affected joints or other symptoms. Joint pain is normally worse during periods of activity and stops with rest. There are many ways how to manage the pain, some of these are application of hot and cold packs and pain-relieving medications.
Stiffness
Stiffness is felt particularly in the hands, knees, hips, and spine. These are usual among people with osteoarthritis, it occurs after you get out of bed in the morning or after you sit for a longer duration. To help you dodge stiffness from inactivity, your doctor may suggest low-impact exercises such as swimming and cycling. Rigorous actions like running and jumping, however, may intensify joint pain.
Muscle weakness
Those who have osteoarthritis may also experience reduced muscular function. According to some studies, muscle weakness may actually be a contributing factor for osteoarthritis to develop, mainly osteoarthritis of the knee. Daily exercises will help keep muscles strong.
Reduced range of motion
Limited movement and flexibility in certain joints are other indications of osteoarthritis. These are generally the effects of the joint pain and stiffness suffered by many people with osteoarthritis. These symptoms may occur in any of the joints where osteoarthritis will most probably develop.
Joint cracking and creaking
Some people with osteoarthritis may have a chomping feeling in their joints or hear the sound of bone against bone. This may arise as cartilage wears away, letting the bones in the joint to move alongside each other.
Deformed joints
A healthy joint are protected with smooth cartilage. As the cartilage becomes worn away by osteoarthritis, spurs may grow out from the end of the bones. This will most likely progress to misshapen joints which frequently occur in the hands of people with osteoarthritis.
Do not ignore these signs as early management of it will help you to delay impairment of your joints, and save yourself from getting a joint replacement. Although it will benefit you to have one but, you cannot risk the complications you will most likely experience as well. Get more latest news and updates by visiting the Stryker hip replacement recall website.
Sources:
osteoarthritis.about.com/od/osteoarthritissymptoms/a/osteoarthritis_warning_signs.htm
arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis-information/conditions/osteoarthritis/symptoms.aspx
Hip Problems and Symptoms Information 