What are the signs and symptoms?

Although osteoarthritis can happen in any joint, it's most common in the joints in your hips, knees, and hands.

The first sign that you might have osteoarthritis is if your joints sometimes feel painful and stiff, especially after you've been resting - say, first thing in the morning. This is often described as a deep ache. After moving about for about half an hour the joint will usually become less painful and you may forget you ever thought anything was wrong.

Osteoarthritis usually starts in one joint - in your hands or your neck, for instance. It may take many years for the pain and stiffness to get worse or for any other symptoms to develop. But over time you might find that your ability to do things is affected, and that you need to rest more.

Here are some questions that can help you decide if you might have osteoarthritis:

Are your joints stiff in the morning when you wake up?
Does morning stiffness ease after about half an hour?
Does the stiffness just affect one side of your body?
Do you sometimes feel as though your bones are grinding against each other?
Do you have redness, swelling and warmth as well as stiffness and pain?
Do your joints look and feel knobbly?
Does the pain in your joints stop you doing things? For example, do you have trouble standing for a long time, or gripping a cup?

If you answer yes to these questions, you could have osteoarthritis. But these symptoms are quite common and they could be caused by another condition. So it's important to see your doctor.

How does the condition progress?

Some people with osteoarthritis never get more than the occasional pain and stiffness that are the most common symptoms of the condition. For others, the pain gradually gets worse. You may find it lasts longer and doesn't go away so quickly, or you may notice that you can't move your joint the way you used to. For example, you might find it tricky to turn on a tap or grip small objects. Walking for long periods may also become difficult. If you get pain in your hip joint you might find that it hurts after you've been standing for a while.

Your joints may also start to look knobbly, and they may become red and swollen. You might need stronger painkillers to keep moving. And you might need extra help doing certain things around the house. Some people need joint replacement surgery and often this makes a big difference to their everyday lives.

Complications

Most people do not have any permanent disability as a result of their osteoarthritis and can lead full and active lives. Some people do develop complications:

Reduced mobility

You might find it difficult to move about or grip things the way you used to. It may take you longer the climb the stairs, for instance, or getting out of the bath might give you some trouble. There are lots of things you can do to help stay mobile. An occupational therapist will be able to advise you about the adaptations you can make to your home to help you do everyday things. For example, it might be easier for you to have a shower than a bath. Ask your GP if you need advice about managing at home.
Disability

Having some disability is not an inevitable part of having osteoarthritis but it can happen. Again, ask your GP for a referral to an occupational therapist will be able to advise you about getting around how to manage with daily tasks at home.

When to see your GP

If you find pain and stiffness in your joints become a problem - either because they interfere with your life or you are worried what might be causing them - then you should see your doctor. Not only can medical treatments help significantly, but there are also lifestyle changes that can help with osteoarthritis and your doctor will discuss what you can do to help yourself stay active.

Health tips