Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease and the most common form of arthritis, the Mayo Clinic explains. Cartilage in the joints wears down and the disease worsens over time. The cartilage usually cushions the ends of bones in the joints, but the cartilage becomes rough and causes irritation because of osteoarthritis. Bones in the joints eventually rub on each other causing joint pain. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but treatments can help relieve pain and keep people active. Osteoarthritis may be hereditary. A person with a mother or grandmother who has or had osteoarthritis of the hands is at increased risk of having it, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
Hands
Bony knobs that appear at the middle or end joints of the fingers and at the base of the thumb indicate osteoarthritis of the hands. The joints can become swollen or knotted, causing stiffness or numbness. Redness and tenderness occur when osteoarthritis first develops, the Arthritis Foundation says. Picking small items up from a table becomes difficult.
Knees
The joints most commonly affected by osteoarthritis are in the knees, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Arthritis in the knee often leads to disabilities. Swelling, stiffness and pain may result, making it difficult to walk, sit or get up from a chair, climb or walk up stairs. Pain may occur when just moving the knee, the Arthritis Foundation notes. There may be a grating feeling when moving the knee. Exercising the leg causes pain. The thigh muscles become weakened.
Hips
Pain and stiffness occur during osteoarthritis of the hips, another common area of the disease. The pain can spread to the inner thigh, groin, knees and buttocks. The symptoms make moving or bending painful and troublesome. Limping may occur when walking, the Arthritis Foundation says. Even simple daily tasks, such as dressing or putting on shoes, can be difficult.
Spine
Stiffness in the neck or lower back results from osteoarthritis of the spine. The disease causes changes in the spine, putting pressure on the nerves in the spinal column. This sometimes leads to weakness and numbness in the arms and legs because of pinched nerves and inflammation. Pain in the neck, shoulder, arms, lower back and legs may result, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
Feet
Pain and tenderness in the large joint at the base of the big toe are signs of osteoarthritis in the feet. Pain when wearing tight shoes or high heels may also occur, the Arthritis Foundation states.
