Which condition features joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and often a crunching sound or sensation during movement?

• A. Fever
• B. Numbness
• C. Joint Pain, Stiffness, and Swelling with Crunching Sound
• D. Rheumatoid Nodules

Answer: (C)

Joint pain with stiffness and swelling accompanied by a crunching or grinding sensation during movement is most consistent with osteoarthritis. The crunching, or crepitus, arises when roughened cartilage and exposed bone rub together as the joint moves, sometimes with small gas bubbles popping in the joint. This degenerative process typically affects weight-bearing joints and causes pain with use and stiffness after periods of rest. Fever would suggest infection or inflammatory disease rather than a degenerative pattern; numbness points to nerve problems; rheumatoid nodules are associated with rheumatoid arthritis and don’t usually produce crepitus with movement.