What symptom would a patient likely report if they have osteoarthritis (OA)?

A patient with osteoarthritis (OA) is likely to report morning stiffness as a significant symptom. This stiffness typically occurs after periods of inactivity, such as sleeping at night or sitting for prolonged periods during the day. It usually lasts for a short duration (often less than 30 minutes) and is often relieved by movement. This characteristic is different from other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, where morning stiffness can be more prolonged and severe.

While joint swelling can occur in osteoarthritis, it is not as prominent as in inflammatory types of arthritis. Severe pain at night is not a typical presentation of OA; patients usually experience increased pain with activity and relieved with rest. Warmth around the joint generally indicates inflammation, which is not a primary feature of osteoarthritis, as it is more common in inflammatory arthritis conditions. Thus, morning stiffness is one of the hallmark symptoms that patients with osteoarthritis frequently report.