M.D. While osteoarthritis can be associated with long-term overuse or traumatic injury to a joint, this isn't usually the case. Osteoarthritis occurs with equal frequency in men and women. The hands and knees are more commonly involved in women and the hips in men.
Joints often stiffen after periods of rest, but clear up within seconds or minutes of motion.
Fortunately disability is not inevitable. For many people, symptoms remain mild or may disappear completely. For most people, a hot shower or bath and some stretching in the morning may actually be as effective in loosening stiff joints as medications like aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen. In addition to information and support sharing among members, the group schedules speakers on a variety of arthritis topics. Also, the Arthritis Foundation sponsors two classes that are offered at a variety of locations throughout Central Texas.