Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects the joints in your body. It is a type of arthritis that occurs when the cartilage that cushions your joints wears away over time, causing pain and stiffness in the affected joint.

Here are the 10 common symptoms and warning signs of osteoarthritis:.

1. Joint pain

One of the first symptoms of osteoarthritis is joint pain. This pain can be mild to severe depending on the severity of your condition. It is usually worsened by physical activity or weight-bearing and relieved by rest.

2. Stiffness

Stiffness is another common symptom of osteoarthritis. It can occur in the morning or after sitting for long periods. The affected joint may feel stiff and hard to move.

3. Swelling

Swelling in the affected joint is another symptom of osteoarthritis. The swelling is usually mild and can be accompanied by warmth and redness around the joint.

4. Decreased range of motion

Osteoarthritis can also cause a decrease in the range of motion in your joints. This means you may not be able to move your joints as freely as you used to and may have difficulty bending or straightening your joints.

5. Crunching or popping sounds

As osteoarthritis progresses, you may hear crunching or popping sounds in the affected joint. This is caused by the roughening of the cartilage and bone rubbing against each other.

6. Numbness or tingling

In some cases, osteoarthritis can also cause numbness or tingling in the affected joint. This is due to pressure on the nerves surrounding the joint.

7. Weakness

You may also experience weakness in the affected joint. This can be caused by the muscles around the joint being unable to support the joint due to the damage caused by osteoarthritis.

8. Difficulty with daily tasks

Osteoarthritis can make it difficult to perform daily tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, or opening jars or bottles. This can significantly impact your quality of life.

9. Bony growths

A characteristic feature of osteoarthritis is the development of bony growths or spurs around the affected joint. These growths can be seen on X-rays and can cause further damage to the joint.

10. Pain with weather changes

Finally, osteoarthritis can cause increased pain with changes in the weather. Many people with osteoarthritis report increased pain and stiffness during cold and wet weather.

In conclusion, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see your healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage your symptoms and prevent further damage to the affected joint.