Osteoarthritis Health Center
Symptoms & Types
Learn about the symptoms of osteoarthritis, why not all symptoms are the same, and how symptoms of different types of arthritis may be confused with osteoarthritis.
Symptoms
What does it mean if you have swelling? Can arthritis cause fever? Get started learning the symptoms of the different types of arthritis.
Swollen, creaky joints are a hallmark of osteoarthritis -- but they can also be mistaken for something else. Learn the signs of osteoarthritis and how it varies from person to person.
When certain symptoms strike, it's time to call a doctor. Learn which symptoms to watch for.
Take this quiz to learn if pain is affecting your life and slowing you down.
Can you climb stairs? Do you have trouble doing housework? This quiz can help you assess how mobile you are.
Types
From osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis to other arthritic conditions: Do you know the major types of arthritis?
Do you know the major types of osteoarthritis?
Complications
Overuse injuries like tennis elbow are more common in people with osteoarthritis. Learn more about this condition and what can be done to reduce the inflammation.
Trigger finger and osteoarthritis can both cause finger pain. Learn more so you can tell the difference between these forms of arthritis.
An inflammation of a tendon, learn what can trigger this condition, its symptoms, and how to tell it from osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis can make you more prone to overuse injuries like bursitis. Find out about symptoms, see a photo, and learn how to prevent this condition.
Impingement syndrome is common in the shoulder and, like osteoarthritis, more likely to appear as we get older. Learn what it is, how it's diagnosed, and its treatments.
A painful inflammation of the thumb, this overuse injury affects mostly women. Learn how to tell this condition from osteoarthritis, see an image, and more.
Scoliosis is often seen in children and can cause osteoarthritis of the spine. Find out what causes the condition, how it's diagnosed, and your treatment options.
Important Safety Information
Cymbalta® (duloxetine HCl) is approved for the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder, and for the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia.
What should I talk about with my healthcare provider?
Patients on antidepressants and their families or caregivers should watch for new or worsening depression symptoms, unusual changes in behavior, thoughts of suicide, anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, restlessness, or extreme hyperactivity. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have thoughts of suicide or if any of these symptoms are severe or occur suddenly. Be especially observant within the first few months of antidepressant treatment or whenever there is a change in dose.
You should also know that:
- Suicide is a known risk of depression and some other psychiatric disorders.
- Antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts or behaviors in some children, adolescents, and young adults especially within the first few months of treatment or when changing the dose. No increased risk has been shown for adults over age 24, and risk decreased for those over age 65.
- All patients starting therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for new or worsening depression symptoms, suicidal thoughts or behavior, or unusual changes in behavior.
- Cymbalta® is not approved for use in patients under age 18.
Who should NOT take Cymbalta?
You should not take Cymbalta if:
- You have recently taken a type of antidepressant called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
- You have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma (an eye disease)
- You are taking Mellaril® (thioridazine)
What other important information should I discuss with my healthcare provider?
Before starting Cymbalta, tell your healthcare provider:
- about all of your medical conditions, including kidney problems, glaucoma, or diabetes
- about your alcohol use
- if you are taking nonprescription or prescription medicines, including those for migraine, to address a possible life threatening condition
- if you are taking NSAID pain relievers, aspirin, or blood thinners. Use with Cymbalta may increase bleeding risk
- if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant during therapy, or are breastfeeding an infant
While taking Cymbalta, tell your healthcare provider:
- if you have itching, right upper belly pain, dark urine, yellow skin/eyes, or unexplained flu-like symptoms, which may be signs of liver problems. Severe liver problems, sometimes fatal, have been reported
- if you have high fever, confusion, and stiff muscles to address a possible life-threatening condition
- before stopping Cymbalta or changing your dose
- if you experience dizziness or fainting upon standing, especially when first starting Cymbalta or when increasing the dose. Your healthcare provider may periodically check your blood pressure while you are taking Cymbalta
If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider before taking Cymbalta.
What are the possible side effects of Cymbalta?
The most common side effect of Cymbalta was nausea. For most people who had it, the nausea was mild to moderate. Other common side effects included dry mouth, sleepiness, constipation, decreased appetite, and, increased sweating. This is not a complete list of side effects.


