Osteoarthritis can also cause swelling in the joints. Fingers, hands, knees, etc., may feel swollen to the touch. This is often a temporary condition, but it can become permanent in advanced cases of osteoarthritis.
People affected by osteoarthritis also often complain of limited mobility. Some daily tasks become increasingly difficult because the joints feel stiff. If osteoarthritis affects the knees or hips, for example, simply walking can become challenging.
Finally, be aware that osteoarthritis can cause joint deformities. This is often seen in the hands and fingers in particular. They appear swollen, and the joints themselves feel hard. These are actually bony growths that lead to deformities which are unfortunately irreversible.
Osteoarthritis: what are the risk factors?
While osteoarthritis is primarily a disease linked to old age, other factors can be aggravating.
It is also observed that women are significantly more affected by this disease than men, especially after menopause when bones are more fragile. Female hormones play an important role in preserving joint health.
In recent years, it has been observed that some people are predisposed to developing osteoarthritis hereditarily, especially in the knee and hand.
Excess weight also leads to mechanical stresses linked to osteoarthritis. The greater the weight, the higher the risk of developing osteoarthritis of the knee or hip. According to the Osteoarthritis Foundation, obesity increases the risk of severe knee osteoarthritis sevenfold.
