In Roberta Wilmot's case of osteoarthritis, which manifestation is most likely?

In Roberta Wilmot's case of osteoarthritis, which manifestation is most likely?

• A. Paraesthesia in her fingers
• B. Swelling and erythema in her feet
• C. Sudden onset of pain in most joints
• D. Pain in her knees

Answer: (D)

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative, non-inflammatory joint disease that most often affects weight-bearing joints, with knee involvement being very common. The hallmark is joint pain that is worsened by activity and tends to be relieved by rest, along with stiffness after periods of inactivity and possible crepitus. Swelling in OA is usually mild and not associated with redness or warmth, which helps distinguish it from inflammatory arthritis. Paraesthesia in the fingers would suggest nerve involvement rather than OA, and a sudden onset of pain in many joints points to an inflammatory or systemic process rather than a chronic degenerative condition. Therefore, the most likely manifestation in osteoarthritis is pain in the knees.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative, non-inflammatory joint disease that most often affects weight-bearing joints, with knee involvement being very common. The hallmark is joint pain that is worsened by activity and tends to be relieved by rest, along with stiffness after periods of inactivity and possible crepitus. Swelling in OA is usually mild and not associated with redness or warmth, which helps distinguish it from inflammatory arthritis. Paraesthesia in the fingers would suggest nerve involvement rather than OA, and a sudden onset of pain in many joints points to an inflammatory or systemic process rather than a chronic degenerative condition. Therefore, the most likely manifestation in osteoarthritis is pain in the knees.