Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Typical of osteoarthritis is the usually slowly increasing onset of joint pain.

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate osteoarthritis:

  • Feeling of tension in the joints
  • Swelling of the joints*
  • Initial pain (start-up and run-in pain common in osteoarthritis of the knee) [typical of osteoarthritis is: no discomfort at rest].
  • Joint stiffness
  • Pain on exertion
  • Continuous pain (constant and night pain common in osteoarthritis of the knee).
  • Muscle tension due to gentle posture
  • Crepitation in the joint (joint noises)
  • Increased sensitivity of the joints to wetness and / or cold.
  • Effusion formation*
  • In the late stage – movement deficits, deformations, muscle shortening.

* If there are signs of inflammation (effusion, swelling, hyperthermia), it is called “activated” osteoarthritis”.

Attention. Only about 15 percent of patients with radiologically confirmed osteoarthritis complain of gonalgia (knee pain).