What are the signs and symptoms of arthritis? 

Symptoms:

• Morning stiffness lasting less than 1 hour
• Stiffness at the end of the day 
• Pain :
• Sharp
• Burning 
• Worse with activity, weight bearing and colder weather 

Signs:

• Inflammation
• Cracking noise 
• Limited joint range of motion 
• Bony end feel 
• Osteophyte formation (boney lumps that develop around the joint lines)
• Deformity 
• Pain with palpation of the joint 

Advice 

As a society, we commonly refer to osteoarthritis as ‘wear and tear’, suggesting that it is a progressive condition, and nothing can be done.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, where joint and bone change over time. However there is often a poor correlation between degree of osteoarthritis and painful symptoms. Current evidence suggests that the movement stimulates some level of joint repair so ‘wear and repair’ is a little more accurate than 'wear and tear'. This suggests if you get a bit of wear so that symptoms can stabilise or joint changes can slow down. Saying it this way suggests that there is always something that can be done.

The main focus in osteoarthritis management is promoting self-management, reducing pain, optimising function, and modifying the disease process and its effects.

Our Ballarat Podiatrists see all types of lower limb osteoarthritis particularly knee, ankle, mid-foot, and big toe OA.

Book now and have a chat to one of our Ballarat Podiatrists about your arthritis symptoms today.