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Osteoarthritis can sometimes cause several complications, which are outlined below.
Reduced mobility
If you have osteoarthritis, you may sometimes find it difficult to move around. This can increase the risk of accidents and injuries such as trips and falls.
Disability
Some people may think that osteoarthritis always leads to disability, but this is not the case. In most cases osteoarthritis is a painful and uncomfortable condition but it does not cause any permanent disability. Many people with osteoarthritis lead completely normal lives.
However, as osteoarthritis varies greatly from person to person, it can sometimes result in disabling damage.
Problems at work
If you have osteoarthritis and you are still working, you may find that your symptoms interfere with your working life and can sometimes affect your ability to do your job.
This can be very frustrating and can lead to psychological or emotional problems. Talk to your GP or occupational therapist if you are finding it hard to cope.
Septic arthritis
If you have had joint replacement surgery (arthroplasty), it is possible for your replacement joint to become infected. This is a severe complication and requires emergency treatment in hospital.
view information about Osteoarthritis on www.nhs.co.uk »Important Notice
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