How To

How to Identify Osteoarthritis

By eHow Health Editor

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Osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of debilitating conditions in the United States. In fact, it’s estimated that at least half of all people over the age of 65 have some form of this condition. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage between joints gradually deteriorates. Here’s how to recognize this condition.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Know which parts of the body are most often effected. Osteoarthritis can develop in any joint but it occurs most often in the joints of the hands, hips, knees and spine.
Step 2

Understand how osteoarthritis effects the body. Osteoarthritis can cause joint pain, tenderness, stiffness, a grating sensation when the joint is used, bone spurs (hard lumps around the joint) and swelling.
Step 3

Be aware of certain factors that can increase your chances of developing osteoarthritis. It is more common in people who are over the age of 40, women and people who have bone deformities or joint injuries. Obesity is also a risk factor.
Step 4

Watch closely for any sign of complications. Osteoarthritis worsens over time causing the joints to stiffen and hurt so much that the condition becomes debilitating. Treatment should begin as soon as possible to make the condition more manageable.