Which of the following is a common symptom of arthritis?

Swelling in the joints is indeed a common symptom of arthritis. Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that affects the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. This swelling occurs due to inflammation in the affected joints where the body's immune system may be mistakenly attacking its own tissues, leading to increased fluid and swelling in the area.

The other symptoms presented in the options are not typically associated with arthritis. Numbness might indicate nerve-related issues, visual disturbances could indicate ocular conditions, and shortness of breath is often related to respiratory or cardiovascular problems. Therefore, swelling in the joints is clearly the most characteristic symptom when considering a diagnosis of arthritis.