1. Joint Pain
Osteoarthritis is the most common of all arthritic disorders, and tends to emerge slowly over many years' time. Although the condition can occur at any time in adulthood, it becomes more and more common with advancing age, and affects nearly everyone 75 or over to some degree. Osteoarthritis is the form of arthritis most associated with wear and tear on the joints, and sometimes emerges in athletes at a young age due to their overuse of their joints.
The pain is often worst upon awakening in the morning, or following other periods of inactivity. It is also worse in cold weather. The pain often takes the form of an ache, and responds promptly to simple aspirin. This phenomenon is so characteristic that joint pain that responds readily to aspirin is considered to be suggestive of osteoarthritis.
2. Fingertip Deformity
A notable characteristic of osteoarthritis is an enlargement of the bony end of the fingertips. The knuckles of the fingertips nearest the nail and fingertips become enlarged and permanently deformed. As the joint enlarges and tissues thicken, the range of motion in the affected joints may diminish.
3. No Redness or Tissue Swelling
Osteoarthritis is purely degeneration within the joint, and does not involve the surrounding soft tissues or muscles, as do rheumatoid arthritis or auto-immune arthritis. There is no fever or systemic symptoms as there is with the rheumatic conditions. Although the joint may be slightly tender to firm pressure, it does not cause excruciating pain as is the case with gout, or as occurs with even slight pressure under rheumatoid conditions.
