Which symptom is commonly associated with osteoarthritis?

Which symptom is commonly associated with osteoarthritis?

• A. Night pain only.
• B. Lateral knee swelling.
• C. Fever.
• D. Morning stiffness.

Answer: (D)

Osteoarthritis often presents with joint pain that worsens with use and stiffness after periods of rest. A hallmark is morning stiffness that is brief—usually lasting only a short time after starting to move. This quick loosening with activity happens because joint surfaces have been inactive overnight, and once you begin moving, lubrication and range of motion improve. This brief morning stiffness helps distinguish OA from inflammatory conditions, where stiffness tends to be prolonged. Night pain by itself is more typical of inflammatory or infectious processes; fever suggests systemic illness; swelling on one side of the knee can occur but isn’t a defining feature of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis often presents with joint pain that worsens with use and stiffness after periods of rest. A hallmark is morning stiffness that is brief—usually lasting only a short time after starting to move. This quick loosening with activity happens because joint surfaces have been inactive overnight, and once you begin moving, lubrication and range of motion improve. This brief morning stiffness helps distinguish OA from inflammatory conditions, where stiffness tends to be prolonged.

Night pain by itself is more typical of inflammatory or infectious processes; fever suggests systemic illness; swelling on one side of the knee can occur but isn’t a defining feature of osteoarthritis.