CLINICAL FINDINGS OF OSTEOARTHRITIS ACCORDING TO THE JOINTS

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is the most frequent cause of rheumatic complaints. Its incidence rises with age. Both intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors promote its development. The joints most frequently affected by osteoarthritis are knees, hips, spine, distal and proximal interphalangial joints of the hands, first carpometacarpal joint and first metatarsophalengial joint. Typically OA presents as activity related or mechanical joint pain. Pain may occur with rest in advanced disease. Patients may also complain of reduced function, morning stiffness or stiffness after inactivity, swelling, crepitus reduced movement, deformity and when pain persists pain-relate psychological distress.