Symptoms of Degenerative Arthritis

The primary symptom is pain in the joints causing stiffness.  It can be a burning or sharp sensation.  The joints may crack, called creptus, when manipulated.  Muscle spasms can occur with osteoarthritis and the joints can become filled with fluid.  Wet, humid or cold weather can cause the pain to increase.  In the smaller joints the bones may enlarge forming Heberden's or Bouchard's nodes on the hands and bunions on the feet.  These joints can become swollen and very red.