Osteoarthritis

In the photo are the fingers of my patient, R.B., 52 years old complaining of joint pain, stiffness, limitation of motion, which are the symptoms seen in osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is usually caused by the breakdown of the cartilage that covers the ends of bones. This cartilage normally functions as cushion in between bones. As a result of degeneration, bones rub against each other producing the symptoms of joint pain and swelling.

Osteoarthritis commonly affects the fingers producing small nodes due to the presence of spurs (outgrowths). These nodes are usually painless but they cause limitation of motion.