We are put together well enough to weather the early effects of spine arthritis without severe limitations. As time passes ,the bony spurs that develop cause more pain and stiffness, and the disks between our vertebrae begin to wear. Thinned out discs then become another cause of stiff and painful backs. The Hips and Knees. Usually hips and knees become involved together.
Pain develops slowly and comes and goes for years before limitations are experienced.
Then, a knee swells or begins to wobble. Walking causes pain. An X-ray or bone scan may be ordered to check the damage. If the knee is swollen, the doctor may remove fluid through a needle and inject cortisone into the joint. An orthopaedist may be asked by your doctor to determine the extent of damage.