As we grow older, osteoarthritis progresses and affects the areas surrounding the joint. Pain, stiffness of the body joints such as elbows, wrist joints, swelling at the joints due to damage or loss of cartilage are common symptoms of osteoarthritis. The amount of pain varies with changing season with that increasing in the humid season which is later followed by contraction of the muscles. The symptoms experienced by people are different for different age groups.

Feeling pain while bending, walking, climbing, opening bottles and cans and while getting up from the bed are symptoms of osteoarthritis. Stiffness in the joints after a long period of inactivity, deformity in joints, cracking of joints followed by severe pain is also signs of osteoarthritis.  The severity of the symptoms depends on the part of the body which gets affected by it. Weakness and numbness are also considered as signs of osteoarthritis because it blocks the openings of the spinal cord developing pressure on it.

Osteoarthritis of weight bearing joints are severe and more painful as compared to non weight bearing joints such as finger, wrist. If ever you feel pain while at the time of motion, then immediately consult doctor because osteoarthritis cannot be cured but can be treated to prevent further damage of joints resulting in permanent loss of motion.