what is osteoarthritis and its symptoms
Symptoms of osteoarthritis most often develop gradually and include: 1  Joint aching and soreness, especially with movement. 2  Pain after overuse or after long periods of inactivity. 3  Stiffness after periods of rest. 4  Bony enlargements in the middle and end joints of the fingers (which may or may not be painful). 5  Joint swelling.
Osteoarthritis Overview. Osteoarthritis (OA) is not a single disease but rather the end result of a variety of disorders leading to the structural or functional failure of one or more of your joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of chronic joint pain, affecting over 25 million Americans. Osteoarthritis involves the entire joint, including the nearby muscles, underlying bone, ligaments, joint lining (synovium), and the joint cover (capsule).