By age 40, many people have this form of arthritis to the extent that changes can be seen in X-rays, but they don't know it because few have physical symptoms yet. Early symptoms, when they do show up, include occasional joint stiffness that later develops into pain on motion. This pain usually worsens with activity and is relieved by rest. The pain can commonly lead to increasingly limited motion of the affected joint. These symptoms tend to increase in frequency and severity as one grows older.
Diagnosis is relatively easy, based on symptoms, medical history, and lab and imaging results.
Fortunately, proper treatment can relieve symptoms and improve function. I hope your doctor told you that appropriate exercise balanced with rest, plus a program of physical therapy designed especially for you, are as important as drugs for the relief of osteoarthritis. Be sure you get complete information on this therapy. Obesity is a risk factor for knee osteoarthritis, so losing weight reduces the risk of developing osteoarthritis and improves the symptoms of the existing condition. Pain can be relieved in many ways, including the use of two types of drugs, analgesics and anti-inflammatories.