The shedding erodes away the cartilage and increases the friction in the joint, setting up an erosive cycle. As the cartilage erodes, the underlying bone is consequently exposed. Fibrous tissue then forms in the joint capsule, causing inelasticity and the limitation of joint movements. New bone, which is formed in the affected area and at the joint margins, is stiff and subject to microfractures. During the early stages of Osteoarthritis, the symptoms consist of a deep aching pain in the joint that is aggravated by exercise and that worsens during the day.
Inactivity results in stiffness of the joints.
The early stages of rheumatoid arthritis consists of nonspecific symptoms like fatigue, malaise, mild fever, weakness, weight loss. Analysis of gait shows altered or abnormal motion patterns. Clinical diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is made on the presence of five or more of the following symptoms - morning stiffness of joints, pain or tenderness in at least one joint, swelling in at least one joint, symmetric joint swelling, fatigue, weakness, weight loss, paresthesia, Raynaud's Syndrome, and subcutaneous nodules. Major organ involvement may lead to Pericarditis, Valvular Lesions, Vasculitis, Pneumonitis etc. The Rheumatoid factor is positive in a number of cases.