Osteoarthritis at Nineteen

Dear Ask The Doctor: I been noticing some symptoms of Osteoarthritis in my fingers, but I'm wondering if itis possible to have Osteoarthritis at 19. The pain and swelling began in my pinky but I notice the same now in another finger and one of my toes. I been thinking to go an see my doctor but I just think that if it is nothing it will be a waste of his time. I hope you can help, thank you

Dear Isa: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that involves the whole joints, affecting not only the bones but ligaments, joint lining and joint cover (capsule) and also involves a progressive loss of cartilage. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common articular disease worldwide, affecting over 20 million individuals in the United States alone. The main symptoms are the aching pain, stiffness or difficulty moving the affected joints, for example: fingers, hips, knees and spine. Older people is mostly affected, so I think that in your case you should to your doctor and get a clinical and lab evaluation to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.