One of the most common forms of arthritis is often accompanies by pain and joint stiffness, but osteoarthritis symptoms can manifest differently in different patients and may not be present all the time. Those suffering severe osteoarthritis symptoms their daily lives can be disrupted by the pain and slow mobility, but on the days the symptoms are lighter, may appear to be normal and suffering no problems at all. This can be confusing, not only for the patient but for those around them as well, and could lead them to doubt the presence of the ailment completely.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that attacks the cartilage in the joints. It can be cause by an injury to the joint, an infection in the joint's tissue or simply by old age, in which the cartilage simply wears out. Since the cartilage works as a cushion in the joint and helps provide lubrication for movement, osteoarthritis symptoms can include pain from the joints rubbing and in more severe cases, can cause the joint to lock up.

One of the misconceptions surrounding the osteoarthritis symptoms is that the pain will be accompanied by fever and complete lack of mobility. While in some patients the osteoarthritis symptoms may appear to worsen in wet or cold weather, it is another common misconception that the symptoms are wholly affected by the weather. Although it has been show that high humidity can affect many osteoarthritis patients and their ability to move without some pain.

Patients May Experience Different Levels Of Pain

Although osteoarthritis usually is first felt in the small joints in the hands and feet, the severity of the pain, as well as its duration can be different among patients. As each person has a different tolerance for pain, it is one of the osteoarthritis symptoms that is often overlooked. Knowing the arthritis signs and symptoms, and understanding how they can affect a person's movements is important to not only the patient but also to those around them.

As more cartilage disappears in the joints, patients may also hear the bones of the joint coming into contact with each other. This crackling noise will usually be accompanies by pain and in some instances may lock up the joint making movement all but impossible. This is one of the osteoarthritis symptoms that may also come with a burning sensation of the associated muscles and tendons in the affected joint. When the ailment become severe, movement and everyday activities may not be possible for the patient and without early treatment can affect their lifestyle for the rest of their life.