The symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid (inflammatory) arthritis are similar. These include:
- Grinding, clicking or cracking feelings in the affected joint with movement
- Abnormally-shaped joints
- Pain in the affected joint which worsens when the joint is used (eg. when gripping heavy objects) but is relieved with rest
- Pain may become constant over time – changing from a dull ache to a sharp pain, which sometimes spreads beyond the affected joint
- Reduced movement in the affected joint
- Swollen red joints that are tender to touch
- Weak joints
People with rheumatoid (inflammatory) arthritis may have more prolonged morning stiffness and greater swelling and redness of the joints than those with osteoarthritis.