In osteoarthritis of the knee, the shape of the bone and appearance of the leg may change over the years. And in osteoarthritis of the hip, the affected leg may be shorter. The main symptom is pain, which is caused by irritation and pressure of nerve endings, as well as by muscle tension and fatigue. The pain can progress from mild soreness and aching with movement to severe pain, even when resting. The secondary symptom is loss of easy movement, such as bending or rising normally.
Morning stiffness is a problem for many people.
This lack of mobility, in turn, often causes the muscles serving the knee or hip to weaken, and overall body coordination suffers. Time-consuming and costly diagnostic procedures are not required. There is no cure for arthritis, but the past decade has seen dramatic new ways to manage the pain, lack of mobility and fatigue that are among its most disabling symptoms. During the early and middle stages, a treatment program of medicines, cortisone shots, ice treatments, exercise, and rehabilitation can be very effective in reducing symptoms and improving mobility. Coated aspirin helps relieve pain and has few side effects.