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The Four Stages Of Osteoarthritis - Sign, symptoms

 Osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects joints, including the feet, shoulder, hips, knees, and hands.

A robust, smooth, slippery coat covers the bone surface called cartilage. This cartilage coating helps your bones to move freely against each other.

If a part of the cartilage becomes thin and the bone surface becomes rougher, the bones will not move freely. And this is the so-called wear and tear of the joint. The knee, hip and small joints of the hands are more prone to develop osteoarthritis because of more frequent weight-bearing and repetitive movement.

What are the four stages of osteoarthritis?

There are four stages of osteoarthritis, and the symptoms and signs are as follows.

  • Stage 1: Minor
    • Little to no pain
    • Minor wear-and-tear of the joint
  • Stage 2: Mild
    • Stiffness sensation if you remain sedentary for a while
    • You may require a brace
    • Noticeable bone spur
  • Stage 3: Moderate
    • Joint inflammation and discomfort while doing everyday activities
    • Cartilage in the affected area starts getting worn
  • Stage 4: Sever
    • Overgrown spur formation in the affected joint
    • Severe pain and swelling
    • Joint inflammation followed by the complete worn-out cartilage

What happens if the cartilage becomes thin?

Once the cartilage is damaged, the tissues within the joint work actively to repair the damage. This repair process may even change the joint structure. In this process, you may get joint pain, swelling, difficulty in joint movement, and stiffness. Or else, there will be an additional bone development at the edge of your joint called osteophytes. These outgrowths will restrict your movement by rubbing against the surrounding tissues.

Furthermore, the synovium (joint capsule lining) may also thicken and secrete more fluid. This secretion will swell up the joint region.

Since joint regions cannot move freely, they may develop cracking or grating sounds. The joint structure will become less stable, followed by the weakening of the muscles.

Usually, most of us develop osteoarthritis as we grow older, even if we are unaware of it. The degree of joint damage can determine the severity of pain and mobility issues.

What exactly causes osteoarthritis?

One of the most common causes of #osteoarthritis is ‘wear and tear’. However, the risk of developing osteoarthritis depends on the following factors:

  • Gender: Osteoarthritis is more severe and frequent in females compared to males.
  • Age: Osteoarthritis more commonly develops in the late 40s. The body changes include weak muscles, reduced ability to heal itself, and weight gain are the primary reasons as we age.
  • Obesity: Obesity is a major risk factor, especially when it comes to weight-bearing joints like the hip and knee.
  • Joint Injury and Abnormalities: Repetitive activities can increase the risk of joint injuries that may lead to osteoarthritis. Other joint abnormalities such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis can cause osteoarthritis.
  • Heredity: Mutation of genes that affect a collagen protein may cause osteoarthritis at an earlier age.
  • Weather Condition: The changes in weather conditions, especially the fall in atmospheric pressure, can worsen osteoarthritis’s pain and other symptoms. However, weather changes are not the cause of arthritis symptoms, but the cold weather can undoubtedly worsen the symptoms.

What are the target points affected by osteoarthritis?

All joints may develop osteoarthritis. However, osteoarthritis mainly affects the knee, shoulder, elbow, hip, spine, wrist, thumb, foot, ankle, neck, back, jaw (temporomandibular joint), and big toes.


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