Overall Symptoms

• Common osteoarthritis symptoms include pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness and loss of flexibility in the affected joints. The degree of these symptoms varies among individuals, depending on the location and the degree of degeneration of the cartilage. Pain can range from annoying to debilitating and may come and go. The most common areas of joint affliction are the hips, knees, spine and fingers.
  
  

Knee Pain and Symptoms

• Osteoarthritis of the knees normally occurs because of obesity. Weight-bearing joints such as the knees cannot easily tolerate excess body weight, and cartilage wears down over time. Cartilage degeneration can cause a limp that becomes progressively worse or an outward curvature of the knee resulting in a bowlegged effect.
  
  

Spinal Pain and Symptoms

• Osteoarthritis of the spine causes neck and low-back pain. The pain is caused by bone spurs that grow along the arthritic spine, irritating spinal nerves. Symptoms include tingling, numbness and severe pain where the affected nerves are located.
  
  

Finger Pain and Symptoms

• Osteoarthritis forms hard, bony enlargements in the joints of the fingers. This deformity is a result of bone spurs, and the nodes may or may not be painful. This usually does limit the range of motion of the affected fingers.
  
  

Treatment for Mild Symptoms

• Osteoarthritis has no cure, so easing pain and other symptoms will be the goal. When inflammation and pain occur, try resting and avoid using the affected joint for 24 to 48 hours. Lose weight if you are overweight to relieve stress on weight-bearing joints such as your knees. Lose weight gradually to maintain the weight loss. Find an exercise routine that is low-impact such as swimming or walking. Exercise strengthens muscles surrounding the affected joint, making it more stable. Consult with your doctor on any diet or exercise routine. Apply heat and cold packs to the affected joints. Heat relieves stiffness, and cold reduces inflammation. Over-the-counter pain creams such as Flexall can provide temporary pain relief.
  
  

Treatment for Severe Symptoms

• When pain interferes with accomplishing daily tasks, your doctor may prescribe pain pills such as Darvon. There is a risk of dependence, so discuss this with your doctor first. Corticosteroid injections in the affected joint may relieve inflammation and pain, but only a few shots can be given a year because of severe side effects. Surgery may be an option when other treatments fail. In joint replacement surgery, your surgeon will remove the damaged joint and replace it with a prosthesis made of plastic and metal. The most common joint replacement are the knees and hips, and some devices can last up to 20 years. Your doctor will advise you on the best treatment for your osteoarthritis symptoms.