What is a common symptom associated with Osteoarthritis due to joint wear and tear?

Crepitation is indeed a common symptom associated with osteoarthritis, primarily resulting from the wear and tear of joint cartilage. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage that cushions the joints gradually deteriorates, leading to bone rubbing on bone. This friction can cause a characteristic popping or grating sound known as crepitus, which is felt and/or heard during movement of the affected joint.

This symptom is reflective of the mechanical changes occurring in the joint due to osteoarthritis. As the joint spaces narrow and the cartilage breaks down, the irregular surfaces of the bones can cause this creaky sound. Recognizing crepitation is important for diagnosing osteoarthritis since it serves as an indicator of joint degeneration. Understanding this helps to differentiate osteoarthritis from other conditions where the symptoms may present differently. Other options, while they may be relevant in different contexts or conditions, do not specifically capture the typical wear-and-tear aspect that characterizes osteoarthritis.