What symptom is typically associated with osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is characterized by specific symptoms that relate to joint function and movement. One of the hallmark signs of osteoarthritis is stiffness after prolonged rest, which often occurs after periods of inactivity. This stiffness tends to reduce with movement, as continued activity generally helps to ease the discomfort and improve joint flexibility.

In osteoarthritis, the pain and stiffness can worsen after periods of inactivity but typically improve with movement, which distinguishes it from other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, where morning stiffness may last longer than an hour and can be more systemic in nature. Therefore, the symptom of stiffness following rest is particularly indicative of osteoarthritis, emphasizing the mechanical nature of the discomfort associated with this condition.