people with osteoarthritis usually experience joint pain and stiffness. the most commonly affected joints are those at the ends of the fingers (closest to the nail) thumbs neck lower back knees and hips. osteoarthritis affects different people differently. although in some people it progresses quickly in most individuals joint damage develops gradually over years. in some people osteoarthritis is relatively mild and interferes little with day-to-day-life; in others it causes significant pain and disability. while osteoarthritis is a disease of the joints its effects are not just physical. in many people with osteoarthritis lifestyle and finances also decline. lifestyle effects include depression anxiety feelings of helplessness limitations on daily activities job limitations difficulty participating in everyday personal and family joys and responsibilities. financial effects include the cost of treatment wages lost because of disability. fortunately most people with osteoarthritis live active productive lives despite these limitations. they do so by using treatment strategies such rest and exercise pain relief medications education and support programs learning self-care and having a “good attitude. ”
how does osteoarthritis affect people?