Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of arthritis, and a significant cause of disability, particularly among women greater than 40 years of age. As we age, the protective cartilage that cushions our joints begins to wear down, resulting in pain, stiff joints, and reduced movement. While OA can affect anyone, women tend to be more susceptible due to changes in hormones after menopause, physical differences in joint structure, and lifestyle habits. The onset of OA can be a slow progression, making it easy to misinterpret the early warning signs. Unfortunately, the longer the delay in diagnosis and treatment, the faster the joint damage occurs, which may significantly impact quality of life.
One of the most important things we can do is to recognise the early warning signs so that we can intervene sooner (e.g., lifestyle changes, physical therapy, or natural remedies such as found in Ayurveda). During the ages of 40-55, many women are busy with a career, family, or their well-being, which means that it’s essential to be aware of those signs early on before it becomes debilitating. In this blog, we will identify the classic signs of OA in females over 40, identify common risk factors for Osteoarthritis in Women, and provide guidance on how to manage these symptoms with an overall focus on health with holistic, preventative approaches.
Persistent Joint Discomfort
One of the earlier clinical indicators of osteoarthritis is persistently uncomfortable joint pain. Initially, women experience a dull ache after a full day on their feet or sometimes after low-intensity activities such as taking the stairs or lifting something light, like groceries. This usually occurs in the knee, hip, hand, or low back. People often attribute the discomfort to overdoing it or just their age; however, persistent pain and something that doesn’t improve after rest shouldn’t be overlooked.
This pain often worsens with activity and improves with rest, a major reference point when comparing to other joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, where morning stiffness is typically the worst time of the day
Stiff in the Morning or after Prolonged Inactivity
If you are having morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes or if you have stiffness after sitting still for some time, consider talking to your doctor about osteoarthritis. This symptom usually develops gradually and worsens with time. For women in their 40s, the stiffness in joints is easy to misattribute to age or low exercise activity.
But after all, important tasks have been fitted into your day, if you are experiencing regular daily joint stiffness, you need to speak to your doctor. Joint stiffness can also be attributed to the joint fluid becoming thicker and less adaptable with ageing, and the cartilage becoming less flexible.
Swelling Around the Joints
Swelling or tenderness around the joints is another red flag. This can occur when the soft tissues around the joint become inflamed due to cartilage degradation. Although the swelling might be mild in the early stages, it can become more severe as the disease progresses.
Women often experience swelling in the knees, fingers, or wrists—especially after repetitive use. It might not be painful initially but can contribute to joint sensitivity and reduced functionality.
Cracking, Clicking, or Popping Sounds
A joint that makes noises like cracking, clicking, or popping—known as crepitus—may be showing signs of cartilage breakdown and Osteoarthritis in Women. As the cushioning cartilage deteriorates, bones start to rub against each other, causing friction and sound.
While occasional cracking is common and harmless, frequent or painful joint noises, particularly when coupled with stiffness or swelling, could indicate osteoarthritis. Women over 40 who notice these changes during exercise or regular movements should consider medical evaluation.
Reduced Range of Motion
Decreased flexibility or having difficulty moving a joint through its full range of motion can also be an early warning sign and could result in problems with daily tasks, such as bending over to tie shoes, reaching for things, or walking long distances. Most women begin to notice limitations in their body during exercise routines, or with house chores.
Reduced joint mobility occurs because inflammation and damage to joints limit the ability of muscles and bones to move smoothly over each other. If these reductions in range of motion are left untreated, problems can develop over time that can greatly limit independence and activity levels.
Increased Fatigue and Weakness
Postmenopausal osteoarthritis is primarily considered a joint issue, but it can also result in muscle fatigue and general weakness in the body, particularly in the legs and lower back. This can occur because the weak joint forces the surrounding muscles to compensate, which brings about additional strain and fatigue.
Chronic pain can also lead to mental tired women. Also, pain can contribute to sleep disturbance, which is also tiring. Fatigue is often compounded as the condition worsens, and can even be promoted as general burnout in working women with multiple activities.
Weather Sensitivity
Many women with early-stage osteoarthritis report increased joint pain or stiffness during cold or damp weather. This phenomenon, known as barometric sensitivity, is caused by changes in air pressure that affect joint fluid and inflammation.
Although this symptom is more anecdotal and varies between individuals, persistent weather-related joint pain in women over 40 can point to underlying osteoarthritis and should be tracked over time.
Difficulty Gripping or Holding Objects
For women who spend time on computers or perform fine motor tasks like sewing or cooking, reduced grip strength or difficulty manipulating objects can be a telling sign of osteoarthritis in the hands or wrists. Every day, tools may feel harder to use, and dropping items could become more frequent.
The joints at the base of the thumb or the middle of the fingers are often affected first. Joint enlargement or nodules (bony growths) may also develop, further reducing dexterity and causing cosmetic concerns.
Bottom Line
Recognising Osteoarthritis in Women early offers the best chance to manage symptoms and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. If you’re a woman over 40 and are experiencing any combination of the above signs, don’t brush them off as “just ageing.” Early lifestyle adjustments, regular low-impact exercise, stress management, and nutritional changes can make a big difference.
For those seeking natural, holistic options, Ayurveda offers a time-tested approach to managing joint pain and promoting long-term joint health. From herbal to detox therapies and personalised guidance, Verdant Ayurveda provides effective, natural solutions tailored to your unique body constitution.