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).