There are various symptoms witnessed which reveal that a person is suffering from osteoarthritis. On detection of symptoms, one should immediately go for diagnosis to check if they are really suffering from it or not. In case yes, the best treatment for knee osteo arthritis is easily available.

Symptoms to look for in the case of osteoarthritis

The various symptoms of knee arthritis, which can be detected by observation, are:

• Pain

Pain is one of the main symptoms, which suggest that whether a person is suffering from arthritis, or not.  Pain worsens if the joint is in active mode, and is relieved by rest. In various cases, the pain may occur in different phases of time, like night as well. The pain usually occurs at a specific point where it arises, but also may spread to the linked regions. Normally, the level of pain remains constant. Later on, it keeps on increasing according to the person’s age. Any sudden injury many also give rise to the pain at the affected spot.

• Effusion

Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis, which mainly arises in the knee part. The swelling that takes place at the joint is called effusion. Specialists say that effusion occurs due to the accumulation of excess fluid like stuff in the joint.

• Stiffness

Another common symptom of Osteoarthritis is stiffness, which usually occurs in the morning. The stiffness in joints resolves within half hour of rising but may continue throughout the day, whenever it is given longer rest or long period of inactivity. Some patients have also witnessed stiffness according to changing the weather.

• Crackling sensation

Crepitus refers to a grating, creaking or crackling sensation, which is caused by movement of knee joints, affected by arthritis. The sensation recurs throughout the day. It is caused by roughening of joints, which rub against each other. Once the bones rub, it gives rise to pain as well as sound causing crepitus.

• Bone Outgrowth

Bone spurs or osteophytes are the bone outgrowths, which are caused by osteoarthritis. Such extra bone formations can be easily felt under the skin and it keeps upon growing as the time passes.

Diagnostic Tests to get osteoarthritis confirmed

Diagnostic tests take place once symptoms are detected positively and physical examination is done successfully. Blood tests are not at all helpful at diagnosis so here are the following tests that help confirm arthritis:

• X-Ray: The most basic method of diagnosis, X-ray shows the damage caused by osteoarthritis. It also shows other changed and thus, guarantees the verification.
• Joint Aspiration: Another useful method, it is a process wherein the doctor numb the affected are with help of a drug. Then, a needle is inserted to withdraw the extra fluid. Once the fluid is taken out, its sample is examined.
• MRI: MRI refers to Magnetic Resonance Imaging, which does not involve usage of radiation. It often helps the doctors to ascertain the best treatment for knee arthritis. It is costlier than X-rays, but is high quality and detects everything correctly. Not only this, it also offers a view of other linked and affected areas.

We hope that this would be an apt guide to get you started.