Osteoarthritis (OA, also known as degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease), is a condition in which low-grade inflammation results in pain in the joints, caused by abnormal wearing of the cartilage that covers and acts as a cushion inside joints and destruction or decrease of synovial fluid that lubricates those joints. As the bone surfaces become less well protected by cartilage, the patient experiences pain upon weight bearing,

SYMPTOMS

Pain - Pain is felt in the joint area and can be aggravated by certain activities like lifting heavy weights, prolonged standing etc. Initially, the pain is of low intensity. It can become constant and unbearable over a period of time.

Muscle Spasm - The muscle becomes tight and an attempt to move causes pain. 

Stiffness in the joint - Stiffness in the affected joints occurs after a period of rest to the joint and causes severe pain while moving the joint.

Wasting of Muscles - Pain causes limitation in the movement; therefore the muscle has less chance to work, becomes weak and gets wasted.

Sound on Movement (Crepitus) - An abnormal sound is heard on moving the joint.