As a medical professional with expertise in orthopedics, I can describe the pain of osteoarthritis (OA) as it is commonly experienced by patients. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that primarily affects the cartilage, the tissue that cushions the ends of bones within a joint. Over time, this cartilage can wear away, leading to pain and reduced mobility.

The pain of osteoarthritis is often described as:

1. Aching: Patients may feel a deep, persistent pain that is often worse after activity and can improve with rest.

2. Stiffness: Especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity, individuals with OA may experience joint stiffness that typically lasts for a short time.

3. Grinding or Cracking: As the cartilage degenerates, the bones may begin to rub against each other, which can produce a sensation or sound similar to grinding or cracking.

4. Swelling: The affected joints may also become swollen, which can exacerbate the discomfort.

5. Reduced Range of Motion: The pain and inflammation can lead to a decrease in the joint's ability to move through its normal range of motion.

It's important to note that the severity and nature of the pain can vary greatly from person to person and can change over time as the disease progresses.

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Osteoarthritis (OA) is a form of degenerative joint pain caused by wear and tear on your joints. As you age, the cartilage that cushions your joints starts to wear down, causing the bones to rub together. The bone-on-bone action leads to inflammation of the joints. ... The lower back is also a common source of OA pain.read more >>