Yes, this is normal but you should discuss your case with your personal physician. Osteoarthritis (OA) is very common, affecting >20% of people ages 55-64; 40% of people ages 65-74; and near 100% of patients over 75 years of age. While the hip and knee are the joints most often affected in men, women tend to have more hand and foot involvement, and OA in men and women can affect a number of joints.

Symptoms consistent with OA include throbbing joint pain with activity of that joint; relief of pain with rest (though pain may occur at rest in advanced OA); morning stiffness for less than 30 minutes; and occasional joint swelling.

In addition to medications and joint injections, exercise and weight reduction (if needed) are core components of treating OA. Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the affected joint may also be helpful.