Common Signs and Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is associated with several common symptoms although symptoms that are present will depend on how far the disease has progressed. The first symptoms that may be recognized during the early stages may include joint stiffness and/or soreness that comes and goes. As the disease progresses, joint pain, tenderness, swelling and inflammation are commonly experienced. The joint may emit sounds such as a crackling or grinding noise during movement. Range of motion may become limited and bony enlargements may develop on the joint. 

Primary Signs and Symptoms of Osteoarthritis 
The primary signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and stiffness, which can affect normal functioning of the joint. As osteoarthritis progresses, pain usually becomes worse with use of the affected joint, but subsides after resting it. As the disease continues to progress, symptoms may include chronic pain that cannot be relieved with rest. When pain is experienced in the joint while immobile, it often is a sign of inflammation. Another common symptom of osteoarthritis is morning stiffness that gradually improves with movement. 

Localized Symptoms
Unlike rheumatoid arthritis that can affect the entire body, osteoarthritis usually only affects certain joints. As the disease progresses, the articular cartilage of the joint can become severely damaged due to deterioration. This can result in joint instability as well as deformity. When a joint becomes unstable, it can cause the joint to give out or lock up. Posture may also be affected as well as the ability to walk due to the pain and stiffness of the joint. 

Osteoarthritis of the Hands and Fingers 
Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hands or fingers include pain and swelling of the joints, manual dexterity problems, enlarged joints and Bouchard’s or Heberden’s nodes.

Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee include pain, which becomes worse with movement, locking of the knee, weakening thigh muscles, pain when standing up and pain when climbing stairs.

Osteoarthritis of the Hip
Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hip may include pain in the inner thigh, groin or buttocks accompanied by a pronounced limp. 

Osteoarthritis of the Spine 
When osteoarthritis affects the spine, it causes the spinal discs to deteriorate, which can result in the development of bone spurs as well as pressure on spinal nerves. This can cause pain that radiates to the lower back and legs as well as the neck, shoulder and arm. There may also be symptoms of numbness in the legs and arms. 

Osteoarthritis of Feet
Osteoarthritis of the feet often affects the joint of the big toe resulting in tenderness and pain. Wearing shoes that are too tight as well as high heels can aggravate the condition resulting in moderate to severe pain.