What is a typical symptom of Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, leading to pain and stiffness. A typical symptom of osteoarthritis includes joint pain, which often worsens with activity and improves with rest. Stiffness is also commonly experienced, especially after periods of inactivity, such as in the morning or after sitting for long periods.

The nature of osteoarthritis means that it is primarily located in weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine, and is associated with age, prior joint injuries, and obesity. The presentation of joint pain and stiffness is a hallmark feature, distinguishing it from other conditions.

In contrast, numbness in the extremities may suggest nerve compression or peripheral neuropathy, which are not typical of osteoarthritis. Severe lower back pain and bulging disc pain are associated with different spinal conditions that involve disc degeneration or herniation rather than joint degeneration as seen in osteoarthritis. Thus, joint pain and stiffness accurately represent the classic presentation of osteoarthritis symptoms.