It can be seen on X-rays as narrowed spaces between the bones in the joint and bone spurs.
Mildosteoarthritis(OA) causes joint pain and stiffness.
It commonly affects the knees, hips, or spine but can also occur in other joints.
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Stiffness is usually worse in the morning, while the pain often peaks at night and after use.
Mild osteoarthritis is treated with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and physical therapy.
Cold packs, moist heat, and braces or orthotics can also ease mild OA symptoms.
This article discusses mild osteoarthritis.
It describes the symptoms of mild osteoarthritis and how it’s diagnosed and treated.
It also explains how to manage osteoarthritis joint pain and prevent further damage.
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What Is Osteoarthritis?
OA is a degenerative joint disease that causes chronic pain and joint stiffness.
As cartilage begins to break down and wear away, the space between joints begins to narrow.
This creates increased friction and pressure between bones and can cause osteophytes (bone spurs) to form.
Joint narrowing and bone spurs can be seen on X-rays in mild osteoarthritis.
What Are the Symptoms of Mild Osteoarthritis?
How Does Mild Osteoarthritis Compare to Other Stages?
Mild OA pain can usually be managed with OTC pain relief, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Moderate and severe osteoarthritis may need more serious interventions or surgery.
Causes and Risk Factors
Mild OA often develops from age-related wear and tear in joints over time.
Mild OA is diagnosed using X-rays.
Your primary care provider is often the first doctor to see if you have joint pain.
A variety of treatment methods helps to manage symptoms of mild OA.
Lifestyle changes can help prevent mild osteoarthritis from progressing further to moderate or even severe levels.
It causes joint pain and stiffness that, left untreated, can progressively worsen.
X-rays are used to diagnose OA.
Mild OA is the second stage of OA but the first one to be evident on X-ray.
Mild OA is treated with physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the joints and improve range of motion.
Mild OA symptoms can usually be managed with OTC anti-inflammatories and heat or cold therapy.
In addition, losing weight and daily gentle exercise can help relieve OA pain and prevent further damage.
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National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Overview of osteoarthritis.
Arthritis Foundation.Arthritis by the Numbers: Book of Trusted Facts and Figures.
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