10 Symptoms of Arthritis

4. Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

The most common type of arthritis is a degenerative type resulting from normal wear-and-tear as people age. Osteoarthritis (OA) is prompted by factors such as aging, obesity, joint injury, repetitive stress to a joint, and genetics. Pain and stiffness in the hips, knees, and lower back, especially after inactivity, are common symptoms. A person with osteoarthritis can experience a cracking sound when they bend a joint. The pain often gets worse toward the end of the day due to swelling in the joints after extended activity. Hip pain may occur in the groin or buttocks. Bony growths or spurs on the ends of finger joints may lead to swollen, red, fingers. Some people experience swelling in the ankles or toes, along with joint pain at the base of the big toe.