Mrs. Johnson, a 62-year-old woman, presents to her primary care physician with complaints of persistent joint pain and stiffness, particularly in her knees and hands

Mrs. Johnson, a 62-year-old woman, presents to her primary care physician with complaints of persistent joint pain and stiffness, particularly in her knees and hands. She reports that the pain is worse in the morning and improves throughout the day with movement. Mrs. Johnson mentions that the symptoms have been gradually progressing over the past several years, impacting her ability to engage in activities she once enjoyed, such as walking and gardening. Upon examination, the physician observes joint tenderness, swelling, and crepitus in Mrs. Johnson’s knees and hands. There are no signs of significant joint warmth or redness. Her medical history reveals a long-standing history of overweight and a family history of osteoarthritis. X-rays of the affected joints show joint space narrowing, osteophyte (bone spur) formation, and subchondral sclerosis – characteristic features of osteoarthritis. The physician discusses the diagnosis of osteoarthritis with Mrs. Johnson, explaining that it is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and changes to the underlying bone. The risk factors, including age, obesity, and family history, are discussed.